100+ Women Whidbey Raises $ 12,950 For Kids First

Local charity 100+ Women Who Care About Whidbey Island raised $ 12,950 for Kids First – Island County during its fall donation cycle.

Kids First is a non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the unmet needs of local children in foster care. Its aim is to give children in foster care the same opportunities and experiences that every child should have.

The members of 100+ Women Whidbey were moved by the candid video submitted by Kids First, which highlighted the critical need to support children in foster care. Kids First board member Patti Carroll recently explained how the association will use the collective donation.

First, the funds will help expand its existing integration programs and “Reading Adventures”. These programs aim to meet and meet the individual needs and aspirations of children, as well as foster a love of reading by ensuring that children have year-round access to a variety of reading activities and books.

From 2022, Kids First will also use the funds to help launch new initiatives, such as providing care kits for children and young people entering addiction status, launching a ‘Wheels 4 Kids’ program. Which will connect Island County kids with bikes, creating Spring Break activity boxes and the launch of ‘I Celebrate You’, a program designed to ensure every child receives a special gift on the day. of his birthday.

According to Kids First, these 2022 initiatives are already generating a response from people who want to give of their time, talent and hearts for children and young people.

100+ Women Whidbey is a local charity group led by Traci Winn, Hailie Meehan, Sonya Simmons and Alex Ellis. As of mid-December, the group had 136 members. Each member agrees to donate $ 100 to a non-profit organization chosen by the group in two “donation cycles” throughout the year. Members can nominate a nonprofit for consideration, or local organizations can nominate themselves. In each donation cycle, three nonprofits are randomly selected to be considered by the group. Over 100 Whidbey women work with each of the organizations to present their story to members, and then one is chosen by the group to receive their collective donation. The association receives 100% of all donations directly.

To join 100+ Women Whidbey and participate in the next donation cycle in May 2022, visit www.100womenwhidbey.com and sign up. While the October donation cycle took place entirely online due to COVID-19, group leaders are hoping to arrange an in-person meeting option for the May cycle.