11 million U.S. children, 20% of Texas kids and more than 22% in Tarrant County live in poverty. Poverty affects all facets of children’s lives, including school performance, behavioral and social health, physical health, nutrition and well-being.
Ask Marti Conner, President, Kids Matter International, why she’s so invested in her job, and she can relate story after poignant story about the lives of those who’ve been touched by Kids Matter.
Kids Matter is dedicated to today’s kids and tomorrow’s future, helping children in need through empowering programs that enhance their lives and offer hope for a better future.
Kids Matter provides new clothing, shoes, books, backpacks and educational programs. On average, the organization helps families with an annual household income of less than $25,000; households headed by single parents or grandparents; families raising two to four children; and those where the head of household works, often holding two jobs.
For every dollar spent, Kids Matter puts 81% back into the community through programs like:
Around the Block, the largest Kids Matter program, where volunteers, donors, staff and Kohl’s stores provide clothing, books, backpacks and school shoes to children. Kids receive up to $100 each for a Kohl’s shopping spree. Every $100 donated to the program buys children $225-$250 in new clothes and shoes. Twisted X shoes and boots also donates quality casual shoes. Each child can select a pair from a variety of styles. For many, it’s the first time they’re receiving new clothes instead of hand-me-downs or shopping in a second-hand store. The positive impact on their self-worth and confidence is immediately apparent in their demeanor and smiles. Around the Block 2023 will be held at the Southlake Kohl’s on November 4, Kohl’s Arlington on November 11, and Kohl’s Austin, Texas, on November 18. Volunteers are needed to help kids select and shop for clothes.
Ramp Up Reading Literacy. It’s reported that one in four kids today grow up unable to read. Students without reading proficiency by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of school. Kids Matter addresses this concern through its reading literacy program, partnering with Kohl’s department stores, Kohl’s Cares Volunteers and local volunteers. During this summer and back-to-school program, Kohl’s employee volunteers read to children and provide them with new books contributed by Kids Matter. Books are also given to local community centers, distributed at back-to-school events and at festivals where the Ramp Up Reading Program is featured. Approximately 15,000 new books are distributed annually. Every $25 donation buys 15 books for this program.
Lone Star Artists. Kids Matter sponsors the annual Lone Star Youth Artist Award with Representative Giovanni Capriglione from the Texas House of Representatives District 98, held in partnership with the Southlake Art in the Square festival. The event gives aspiring high school artists an opportunity to participate and learn about a world-class art festival, with the winner’s work displayed at the Texas State Capitol.
The Eagles Challenge Hole-in-One Golf Tournament will be held October 23 at Lantana Golf Club. This one-of-a-kind charity tournament features a Hole-in-One prize valued at $50,000 on each hole. Closest-to-Pin and Hole-in-One winners also compete at the 19th hole shootout for a $1 million grand prize.
Kids Matter Charity Ball. The agency’s largest annual fundraiser will be held February 23, 2024, at The Bowden premier event venue in Keller. This black-tie evening features a seated dinner, luxury live and silent auctions, entertainment and a chance to reflect and celebrate the positive impact of Kids Matter programs on the thousands of children and families served each year.
Don’t miss your chance to meet Rickey Hill, the professional baseball player who overcame adversity to follow his dreams, at this year’s Kids Matter Eagles Challenge golf tournament at Lantana Golf Club on October 23. The new movie “The Hill,” starring Dennis Quaid, features Rickey’s life story. Rickey will play in this year’s tournament; golfers can bid on a spot to play a round with him. Visit https://eagleschallenge.org/ for details.
“It's important to nurture the confidence and hope in each child. We strive to provide them with clothing and supplies they need, but also what they want. Our goal is to give these kids a hand-up rather than a hand-down. It could quite literally make a difference in a child’s life. One small pebble can cause thousands of ripples in a person's life." Marti Conner