In early December, I was honored to receive a donation of $1,000 on behalf of the children we serve from employees of Wachovia/Wells Fargo. It was especially meaningful to have been chosen by the employees to receive these funds. This kind of giving reveals the soul of a company, showing that its people are aware of problems within their community and are willing to step up to help heal those wounds. The problems Kids First deals with are especially hard to face: the sexual abuse and physical abuse of our children. The next time you're in the bank, please be sure to thank Wachovia's staff members for helping the kids who receive services at Kids First!

Yesterday, November 16, we were having lunch at the office when Debbie Swain from Dixieland Speedway walked in with a wonderful surprise: a stack of money! The "bills" had been collected as part of a 50/50 drawing over the weekend at their driver's banquet. Red and Debbie, owners of the speedway, have been such wonderful sponsors of Kids First over the years; they keep coming up with ways to help the kids...and we don't even have to ask. Thank you SO much, Red and Debbie...and everyone who continues to contribute to their fundraisers at the track. We are so grateful for your support!

The Cosmopolitan Club has been on a shopping spree for three children who receive services at Kids First!! What a joy this will be for these children, all of whom came out of abusive homes, have been in therapy, and are doing SO well with their new families. The Club members collected $600.00, went out and spent $200 on each child, and are going to seek more sponsorships over the next week. I've even heard whispers that one member is planning on buying all three children a bicycle! From the perspective of Kids First, our hearts are about to burst with gratitude for these wonderful people who are giving so compassionately to children they will never personally get to see or know! Thank you SO much to all of you!

Stress seems to be running rampant in this economic climate. With that said, it's no surprise that abuse rates are higher (not only physical, but sexual abuse as well). There are more cases (the annual increase rate has DOUBLED since two years ago!!) and the extent of injuries is more severe. The climate creates a catch 22. It contributes to a greater need for victim services while also causing funding sources to be limited for those same services.

Kids First has just taken a big hit from a formerly reliabe funder. A huge hit. And yet we are in the midst of one of the busiest times we have ever known. THE CHILDREN NEED YOUR HELP! We are seeking Heroes for Children: members of Kids First Alliance who are willing to contribute $100 or more per month. We are also seeking Ambassadors: members who may not be able to make this contribution, but who can make some level of contribution and help us spread the word and directly recruit others to become members.

Levels of support:

Friend to an abused child..........$5/month

Protector of an abused child...... $20/month

Guardian for an abused child......$50/month

Hero to an abused child............$100/month

Also, choosing to make a one-time donation to the cause will make a huge difference in the life of a child.

Please send donations to: Kids First, Inc. PO Box 23 Elizabeth City, NC 27907 or call us at 252-338-5658 email rmorris@net-change.com

Thank you so much for your support!!!!

For the children,

Rhonda

Times are tight, folks! Caseloads are up and funding streams are trying to pull back, but our mission to provide the very best in child abuse evaluation and treatment services is only getting stronger! You make a huge difference every time you donate a dollar, a roll of paper towels, or a blog comment! It really is true that every little bit counts. Thank you for all you do and please contact Kids First at 252-338-5658 for more information on how you can help a child victim.