The List Kids

The List Kids In The News!

2009-12-21T21:32:00.000-08:00

Posted on Sun, Dec. 20, 2009

Teen helps Iraqi kids in U.S.

BY JULIE LEVIN
Special to The Miami Herald

JULIE LEVIN / FOR THE MIAMI HERALD

12/07/09 -- PEMBROKE PINES -- Pembroke Pines teen Sky Choi runs "The List Kids' an organization that sends care packages to resettled Iraqi children in the United States. Here, Sky works on cards for the packages with cousins Cayla,12, Sophia, 6, Matthew,4, and Christian, 12 Reis of Tamarac

This holiday season, Sky Choi will once again be more concerned with what he is giving, rather than getting. The Pembroke Pines teen is spending a second holiday season making sure Iraqi youngsters who have resettled in the United States have a reason to smile.

``We help kids feel welcome by sending packages and cards,'' said Sky, whose given name is Sebastian Hanul Choi (his father is Korean, and his middle name means ``Sky'' in that language). At 13, he is already a sophomore at Florida International University.

In 2008, Sky founded The List Kids, a nonprofit group that sends packages to Iraqi children across the United States. When he began, Sky had just 14 kids on his list. Now, he and a small group of volunteers send packages to more than 100 kids every month. With the holidays approaching, Sky wants to make sure the packages are extra special. Many of the Iraqi kids are spending their first holiday season in the United States, and their families are struggling just to keep up with the necessities.

``The kids are going through a lot of emotional stress,'' Sky said. ``They are going into a new culture and not knowing why they had to move. I thought it would be nice to help them.''

His efforts grew out of The List Project, a U.S.-based, nonprofit group that helps resettle Iraqis who either worked for the United States as translators, or in the rebuilding process, whose lives are being threatened as result.

The List Project, which began in 2007, partnered with three law firms that are providing pro bono legal services to the Iraqis.

Sky's mother, Dana Choi, works for one of the firms, Holland & Knight, and represents more than 50 Iraqi clients. One of her clients has a son Sky's age. As result of the client's construction work, the son was kidnapped and beaten. Sky was moved by what he heard.

``He came to me the next day and asked me what he could to help,'' Choi said. The result was The List Kids, which is now a year-round effort. Each month, the group ships large manila envelopes packed with toys, gift cards, clothing, books and more, depending on the youngster's age.

The group has received some donations, including a large collection of reading material from Penguin Books.

But to keep the project going, The List Kids is in serious need of donations.

Choi said donations fell off quite a bit in the past year. Sky chips in money he earns working, and her family fills the gap.

``Some months we may chip in $1,500, other months it is not as much,'' she said.

Each package also gets a hand-written, personalized note from Sky or twin cousins Christian and Cayla Reis, 12, who help out.

``We try to encourage them to just try and have fun,'' Cayla said.

``The books can help them learn English faster,'' Christian said. ``We also give them comic books in their own language.''

Sky is looking for other kids who can help create cards and letters, collect or donate gift cards, used gaming systems, or donate $5 for a List Kids ``Think Big'' reminder bracelet.

The List Kids have also set up a wish list on Target.com and Amazon.com. Any items purchased through that wish list go directly to the Iraqi children.

Even though he is carrying a full load of 18 credits this semester, Sky isn't slowing down.

``One father told me his daughters put all the cards she gets from us on her wall.''

For information, call 954-383-7076, visit www.thelistkids.org or e-mail kids@thelistproject.org. Send donations to The List Kids, 1641 N. Hiatus Rd., Box 107, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026.

Hats, Hats, Hats....

2009-12-20T07:10:00.000-08:00

What if I told you that a $25 donation could help an Iraqi refugee child in the US, hungry folks in Vermont and a family in a third world country all at the same time? Here is how. This month The List Kids is collecting hats, mittens and scarves for the Iraqi refugee kids that are resettled in the US. While the List Kids definitely has its own financial needs, my friend, Andrew, has a seasonal non-profit that is really cool. So this holiday season, I encourage you to consider purchasing a hat from Andrew at www.hatsforhunger.com and have it sent to The List Kids, 1641 N. Hiatus Road, Box 107, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026. In turn, Andrew takes all the money he earns and donates it to two charities: The Vermont Food Bank and Heifer International. While you are at it, pick up one of his great hats for yourself or a friend! To learn more about Hats For Hunger, check out Andrew's interview at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Agx7eMEMrnY

Peace,
Sky Choi

Let The Competition Begin!

2009-12-09T18:36:00.000-08:00

So earlier today I told you that the List Kids is seeking donations of hats, mittens and scarves for the monthly care packages and how my mom tried to knit a hat. Well, my grandmother did not want to be outdone so she knitted an awesome hat today (see photo above). I wonder if they can make mittens? Now we only need 99 more! Join in the fun and send your hats, mittens or scarves to The List Kids, 1641 N. Hiatus Road, #107, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026. We will feature the coolest hats on the List Kids blog!

Peace,

Sky Choi

As the snow begins to fall...

2009-12-09T05:52:00.000-08:00

As the snow begins to fall across many places in this country, I decided that it would be best to collect hats, mittens and scarves this month to put in the List Kids care packages. My mom, always looking for a way to help, tried her hand at knitting a hat for a baby. Posted above his her first attempt (don't look too closely--LOL:). So while this one may end up on one of my cousin's dolls, she was undeterred and started another one. I am not sure what possessed my mom to think she could knit--- but you have to love her spirit! I am sure there are a lot of people out there who can knit (and do it well:).

If you are one of those talented people, please consider making hats and scarves for The List Kids.
If you are friends with a talented knitter, consider asking for a hat and scarf as your holiday present and then donate it to The List Kids; or
If you are like the rest of us who can't fathom knitting, please remember The List Kids when you are shopping! If you can slip that extra hat, mitten or scarf into your cart, please do so.

The List Kids' address is: 1641 N. Hiatus Road, #107, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026.

To make this a little more interesting, we will be featuring our different hats on the blog, and anyone who donates 5 or more hats/scarves or mittens will receive a List Kids' book bag, reminder bracelet, and certificate from The List Kids.

Thanks for helping,

Sky Choi and The List Kids

Final Packages for 2009!

2009-12-06T09:08:00.000-08:00

We are gearing up to send out the final packages for 2009! As it stands right now, we only have items for about 10 care packages.... so what are we going to put in the other 92? That depends on you! The Iraqi kids on our list range in age from 3 months old to 17 years old. You can check out our wish list on either Amazon.com or Target.com. If you would rather pick out your gifts in person and ship them, The List Kids' mailing address is:

The List Kids

1641 N. Hiatus Road, Box 107

Pembroke Pines, FL 33026

If you have any used gaming systems or have outgrown any of your video games, please consider donating them to the List Kids. Our thanks go out to Lauren and Alena from Oregon who did just that recently! Their generosity is going to make three kids on our List very, very happy!

We just finished out Winter Hope Appeal and raised a little over $500. We are very thankful to all who contributed. If you missed the opportunity to give to the Winter Hope Appeal you can still donate online at our website, wwww.thelistkids.org or through Global giving, http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/the-list-project-emergency-support-fund/

Thank you to all those contributed this year. We know that times are tight for most everyone, and we are very grateful for those that have helped us keep The List Kids going for another year.

Peace,

Sky Choi & The List Kids Team

Black Friday..when "war" is actually a good thing!

2009-11-24T08:29:00.000-08:00

I don't like to shop and Black Friday traditionally does not appeal to me, but this article in the New York Times caught my eye, " Price War Brews Between Amazon and WalMart"

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/24/business/24shop.html

This means that regardless of whether you are the kind of person that likes to shop online or whether you prefer to join the masses in person on Black Friday, you can get great deals ----so please consider picking up a gift for a recently resettled Iraqi child. We have over 112 kids on our List, ranging in age from 2 months - 17 years of age. Help us bring hope to these kids this holiday season. Remember, for our online shoppers, we have a Wish List at Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/R4TGW49926L3

And speaking of hope, The List Kids' "Winter Hope" campaign has just kicked off. Despite the state of the economy, we are hoping people will remember how blessed they are and feel the desire to share what they have (even if it is less than last year!) with others who are struggling. One easy way is to give online through the Winter Holiday Appeal ---the best part is that your donation will be matched up to 50%! Definitely more bang for your giving-bucks!

https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:CampaignPublic/id:35652.6546606712/rid:d77b4b3d1c19bcd650cb8d75641c16bd

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

From The List Kids Team

WE DID IT!

2009-09-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that we were able to get enough calculators to send every school age List Kid one!!!! I want to thank Alexia, Liz and Carol who made this possible.

There are three other people who have stepped up time and time again that need to be recognized as well. I am eternally grateful for Mateo, Vivian and Donna. Their financial support covered a large part of the postage for these care packages. You are an amazing family!

The care packages have been shipped and we are already working on next month's: Our big need is for toys and supplies for the under 6 year olds. Did you know that we have 32 List Kids 5 years old or younger!!! Ten of those are 2 years old or younger. If it is on your heart to get involved, considered picking up something for our youngest List Kids.

Thank you,
Sky

Adding it up....just in time for school!

2009-07-21T17:45:00.000-07:00

Many of you might not know this, but some schools, like those here in South Florida, start the school year in August. Last year we collected school supplies for the Iraqi refugee kids. This year, however, we are focusing on collecting a specific item: CALCULATORS. Many communities collect school supplies and provide book bags with supplies to children in need. We do not want to duplicate their efforts, and quite frankly, it is expensive to ship the book bags with supplies across the country. I learned from my aunt, who is a teacher and has worked with several charities, that the one item that is rarely supplied is a calculator. So the next time you are out at the grocery store, drug store or office supply store, please consider picking up a calculator to donate to The List Kids. Or, if you are upgrading your calculator this year, consider donating your used calculator to The List Kids. We will be shipping out the calculators to the kids in the August care package.

You can send it to: The List Kids, 1641 N. Hiatus Road, Box 107, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026. In exchange, I will send you the new List Kids wristband.

Thanks for considering The List Kids,
Sky

Mission NOT Accomplished

2009-07-01T06:57:00.000-07:00

I want to thank all my Davidson friends and my family who donated to The List Kids through Global Giving. I want to thank the few people from Netroots who donated to The List Project/List Kids on Global Giving. The open period is over and we did not earn a permanent spot on the website because we failed to raise $4000 and did not have 50 people who cared enough to donate. That really is a sad commentary on where we are. I know that one Netroots member who gave did so despite the fact that she donates so much time already to help Iraqi refugees and her financial situation is not strong. She has in the past said that she does not have money to support the project financially but she has willing given so much in other resources. Despite all this, she found a way to make a donation on Global Giving. It is people like her that give me some hope that we can keep The List Kids going. Its people like Mateo and his family, Carol, those in the New York Chapter who help out with postage each month, Morgan, Alexis, Peyton, Sali, Ahmed, Basma, Donna, Vivian, Sara, Tracy, Samuel, Henry, Diane, Ian, Liz, James, Nancy Lee, Madeline, Nuntiya, Polly, Jason, Joan, the students at Greenglades elementary, the Davidson families, John, my Grandma, Josh, Lisa in Texas, and the Smith's in New York.

I am beginning to question the value in these social networking sites. Between this site and Facebook we have over 1500 members, yet less than 15 of these members cared enough to make a $10 donation that was desperately needed to earn a permanent spot on Global Giving. The payoff would have been increased access to corporate sponsors and increased exposure. It takes roughly $13,000 a year to run The List Kids. I apply for as many grants as I can. I host fundraisers. I work extremely hard to raise money to keep The List Kids going. So this morning, I am sitting here wondering why so few people care enough about these kids.

DANGER: We have dropped to 45th place...

2009-06-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

I don't even know what to say anymore. I can't believe that we have dropped from being in the top 10 to being 45th and quite possible missing the goal of raising $4,000 by at least 50 unique donors. I am totally serious when I tell you I really thought we might have a chance at getting the $6000 bonus for raising the most money and having the most donors. It seemed like such a simple goal given the number of members we have on the various social networking sites. For those people who have already donated, I am extremely grateful to you for your support and contribution. For the rest of you, I am not too proud to beg. Please, think about whether there is any way that you can make a donation tonight. Time is running out. The minimum donation is $10 and every one counts. Here is the link to make the donation: http://www.globalgiving.com/projects/the-list-project-emergency-support-fund/

The picture above is one of the special kids that we send care packages to. I have had the privilege of meeting her and her family. Look at the joy on her face. Be a part of this great cause. Donate now. Please.

Peace,
Sky

Almost there.....

2009-06-26T18:29:00.000-07:00

We need at least 10 more donors and need to raise at least $890 more to reach the MINIMUM goal to earn a permanent spot on the Global Giving website. I know we can do this. Throughout the past year, several people have really stepped up and went above and beyond in their giving to The List Kids. There is one special person that I want to tell you about. His name is Mateo, and I have no doubt he wakes up every day thinking about what he can do to help the newly resettled Iraqi refugees. He is the one that welcomes all new members to The List Kids chapter on Netroots. He has sent gifts and money that I know come from his heart and that he has made sacrifices in order to give. He is constantly thinking up fundraisers. He even planted a sunflower garden to raise sunflowers to sell. And he has gotten his family and friends involved. They have made cards, donated money, sent toys, and held their own fundraisers. His mom even made special cookies to sell at a local market. For Mateo, The List Kids is a labor of love. He cares about these kids, most of whom he has never even met. He gives unselfishly of his time and resources. Mateo is a huge part of why The List Kids has managed to operate for over 14 months and has been able to meet the needs of the growing number of Iraqi kids that are arriving in the US. You see, Mateo has never forgotten that the List Project families are comprised of men and women who risked their lives to work with the American forces in Iraq. By doing so, they endangered their lives and the lives of their children. Their first year in the US is extremely rough, especially considering the current economic conditions. Our goal is to make their lives just a little bit easier --- to bring a smile and a sense of hope to the lives of over 100 kids. Like Mateo, you can be a part of this amazing project. Donate today at http://www.globalgiving.com/projects/the-list-project-emergency-support-fund/

Peace,
Sky

Apathy

2009-06-24T07:28:00.000-07:00

Plain and simple, we need 21 more people to step up and make a donation to The List Project/The List Kids on Global Giving: http://www.globalgiving.com/projects/the-list-project-emergency-support-fund/ While it seems fairly clear that we cannot make the top three in either the number of donors or amount raised, we need to do everything we can to at least ensure a permanent spot on the Global Giving website. To do this, we need to raise $4,000 from 50 different donors. Unfortunately, we only have 6 day left to reach this goal.

I have to admit that I am surprised and yes, very disappointed, that we fell so far down the rankings and are in danger of not even making the bare minimum goal to stay on the Global Giving website. I look at the number of members we have on the Facebook website (945 members) and the Netroots website (1,444 members) and can't figure out why we haven't blown by our goal. Really, are there only 36 of you out there who care enough to donate $10???? Thirteen of those donors are my friends --- kids who cared enough to donate $20 each. One of those donors is my mom who has supported me and The List Kids more than I can ever repay.

100% of every dollar donated to The List Kids goes to providing care packages for the kids. The return on your investment is priceless. How can you put a price on a smile? How can you put a price on a feeling of safety or acceptance? That is what the monthly care packages provide to newly resettled Iraqi refugee children. Here is a sampling of emails the List Kids have received:

"I'm writing here just to thank you about the great job you are doing, My 2 daughters are in your LIST "L***" (5 years) and "L***" (1 year) they receive the gift package monthly; that package means to L*** (5 years) a lot she feels welcomed and that someone somewhere loves her and wants her to be happy."

"I receive today a wonderful gift to my daughter. thank you so much and have a great new year."

"thx alot for your nice gift that we`ve got it today ,your nice gift makes my daughter very happy ,you make her smile ,and I do not know how to thank you."

"The A***** kids got their package – it made their day. Thanks so much!"

"We got your gifts. We were delighted. THANK YOU and THANKS to all our friends in the The List Kids."

"Thank you my friend for the gifts you sent. I recieved the two boxes you have been sent them to my daughters, today afternoon. My daughters are very happy. Thank you and God bless you."

"I am sending this email on behalf of my daughters. We got the stuff the the kids list sent. They are very nice and the kids were so happy. They like the stickers so much."

"We are the parents of Y***** and A********** and we want to say many thanks for your gifts that you sent it to them . We wish all the best for you in the future."

"First we are very grateful to the list kids for sending the stories package to my doughter. She was so happy when she received this package, she loves stories and colouring. We really appreciate what you are doing for our child."

"We are so greatfull for you all for sending the things for us they fell so happy with it and they toled everyone that we have many friends and they are keep sending for us many things that we like it. God keep u save for your family and for all the kids who you help. Thank you again for everything."

"Today We have received the package that you guys have sent it to us. Y***** and Y***** were delighted. They says thank you Sky and thanks a lot to all those who worked with you in this tremendous effort to help the new comers. So thank you so much guys. We are really happy with all these things. We feel that we have a big family now - our friends in the ListProject.org and theKids List too- keep the great work."

So what is stopping you from getting involved? Really, I would like to know because I just don't understand the lack of support for these kids. Enlighten me by sending me an email at sky@thelistproject.org

Now that is more like it!

2009-06-11T19:01:00.000-07:00

In the Global Giving American Open Challenge we have moved from

34th place all the way up to 9th place!

Special thanks to all my DYS friends who have donated in the past 24 hours!

Remember, to earn a permanent spot on Global Giving we need to raise $4000 and have at least 50 unique donors by June 30th. I know we can do this. You can donate as little as $10! Every single donor is important.

Come on List Kids chapter members on the social networking site Netroots (http://netroots.thelistproject.org) --- now is the time to really show that you believe in this cause. Some of you have been waiting for the opportunity to take action. Now is the time and the action is very simple. Make a donation at: http://www.globalgiving.com/projects/the-list-project-emergency-support-fund/

If you forward me your email confirmation of your donation I will send you the brand new List Kids wristband! They are even more cool than last year's version. Simply forward your confirmation email to me at sky@thelistproject.org, along with your mailing address and I will send you a wristband as a thank you.

There are 103 refugee kids that are counting on you! The number is growing each week as new families arrive. Please help us reach out to them.

$10 = $6000

2009-06-09T18:55:00.000-07:00

I am supposed to be a math whiz, but I am sure some of you are questioning my math skills at the moment. Let me explain this unique equation:

The List Project and The List Kids are taking part in the American Open Challenge on Global Giving. We have until June 30th to raise $4000 and have at least 50 unique donors. If we make this goal, we will be given a permanent spot on the Global Giving website which will give our project greater visibility.

Check out this link: http://www.globalgiving.com/dy/v2/americanchallenge.html

We are currently ranked 30th out of 79 projects! That's pathetic. However, the top projects are not that far ahead of us. Our goal is to finish in the top three for amount of money raised so that we will get an additional bonus of $1,000-$3,000. And we want to have the most unique donors as that will get us an additional $3000. If we could win both these contest, we could effectively gain an additional $6000!!! Just think how many care packages we can send with that kind of money.

So here is the challenge: You can donate as little as $10. If every member of Netroots donated $10 dollars each we would surely win the unique donor contest and most likely win the $3000 bonus for the most funds raised. If every person reading this blog ---that means you --donated $10, we could blow the competition out of the water. In essence, your $10 could easily turn into $6000!

Please take the time to donate today and help us win the American Open Challenge so that we can gain a permanent spot on Global Giving and continue to reach out to the more than 100 Iraqi kids that we send care packages to each month.

Here is a tip for those who don't like to ask people for money directly: simply put this link in your email signature and spread the word to everyone you email: http://www.globalgiving.com/projects/the-list-project-emergency-support-fund/

You can do this! If you do, you will discover that $10 really does equal $6000 when all is said and done. Simple math;)

Peace,
Sky Choi

Greenglades Elementary in Miami ROCKS!!!

2009-05-25T21:22:00.001-07:00

I just had to share with you some of the cards made by the students at Greenglades Elementary in Miami. I wish I could share them all with you! Enjoy ---

Sky Choi

Happy Faces

2009-05-20T18:51:00.001-07:00

Two very special List Kids received their care package via hand delivery by none other than our very own Director of Outreach, Mateo! Mateo made the trip north to visit with some awesome members of The List Projects Netroots team and offered to hand deliver the gifts for one of our special List Kids families.

Thankfully Liz and Mateo sent me this photo for my blog, otherwise my blog posts would be devoid of photos as someone decided to break into our home and steal my mom's camera along with some other items of value.....the good news is that they did not steal this month's care packages which are finally ready to go out! So all our List families should be receiving their care package next week! Finally!!!! In this month's care packages there are cards made by the students at GREENGLADE ELEMENTARY in Miami. Thanks to Ms. Juana Torres-Pino I was able to speak to a number of classes and pass out List Kids' flyers and wristbands. In exchange, the students made cards to include in the care packages. Special thanks and a shout out to all my friends at GREENGLADES!!!!

I am also very grateful to Alexis and Morgan in California and Peyton and Ann in New York, Vivian and Donna in South Carolina, John in Sarasota, and Ahmed for their amazing donations and the List Kids Netroots team that has committed to helping with postage ---without these people the care packages would not be possible.

There are two other special people who donated money to help The List Kids --- Haya and Fatema! Haya and Fatema are List Kids who send me a beautiful thank you card and a donation!

There is so much more to tell you but I think we covered enough in today's post. I will give you some hints --- an old corporate sponsor has once again been very generous to the List Kids and a new corporate sponsor has donated a tremendous new product for the kids. On top of that, Mateo has developed some very interesting fundraising techniques so I am going to have to turn the stage over to him soon so he can share his ideas. Stay tuned to learn more.....

As always, I am very thankful for all the amazing people that help make the care packages possible,

Peace,
Sky

THE LIST KIDS RECEIVES RECOGNITION!!!

2009-03-14T11:48:00.000-07:00

The List Kids received recognition today at the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards luncheon for the honorees from Florida. There were some really cool people there with exciting community service projects. The best part of the event was meeting Nathaniel's mom (Nathaniel, who was being honored for over 4000 hours of community service, was represented at the awards ceremony by his mom because he was stuck taking the SAT!). Nathaniel's mom, who I am sorry to say I failed to get her name, asked about what The List Kids' needs are. She is a teacher in Broward and may have some students interested in volunteering! For Nathaniel's mom and all others looking for community service projects, The List Kids is pleased to announce that we have three kits designed to help you with three types of fundraisers: (1) gift card collections; (2) used gaming systems/games/dvd collections; and (3) whatever-kind-of- "athon" you are interested in (read-a-thon, sleep-a-thon; Wii-a-thon, etc). We have informational flyers and wristbands and can supply templates with logos for custom flyers and posters. You have another idea? Just let us know and we will help in any way we can! If you are interested in following in Nathaniel's lead (4,000 community hours!!!!) or just need to meet your school's more moderate requirements ;) ---- contact me at sky@thelistproject.org today.

Thank you to Scott Hart and the Prudential team for today's ceremony.

Peace,
Sky

Cards, Cards, Cards!!!!

2009-01-18T11:43:00.000-08:00

Last month we received so many really neat cards to include in the care packages. Some were drawn by hand ---very creative I might add! Some where cute cards with nice messages. And then there were the cards with Mateo's beautiful dog, Parker! The New York Chapter has been awesome.....maybe you should challenge another chapter to see who can make the most cards (hint, hint). The List Kids team is extremely thankful for all those who sent in cards. Next month is Valentine's Day so send in those Valentines!

I also want to thank those great supporters that sent money for postage: Liz H., Sara F., Madeleine M, Jason O., and Mateo! You guys rock! We definitely could not reach as many kids as we do without you. Because of your generosity, we were able to send out more than 90 care packages!!!! Please keep your eyes out for a thank you letter from the List Kids.

With much gratitude,
Sky

P.S. Liz Henry you are this month's List Kids' Hero! You definitely went above and beyond the call of duty.

An Attitude of Gratitude

2008-11-28T11:06:00.000-08:00

I went to The List Kids' post office box today and was surprised to see a number of boxes. As always there were boxes with great gifts for the kids from The Queen of The List Kids, Carol Malik. But there was also an amazing art kit from Sali R. I know exactly the child to send it to ---there is 9.5 year old girl in the same state as Sali that is having a rough time making friends in her new school. This child loves to paint and draw so I know that this huge art kit is definitely going to brighten her day. Thank you, Sali!

But the biggest surprise was a huge box that was filled with toys from the Amazon.com wish list. It came from an Iraqi refugee family whose kids we send care packages to!!! They in turn, sent gifts for others. I never expected such a gift. Because of their generosity, we have enough presents to fill care packages for 10 more kids! It is an amazing example of thanksliving. Yes, thanksliving -- a term I heard yesterday for the first time. I googled it and learned that it means a variety of different things, but the gist of it is rather than just giving thanks, we should express gratitude in our actions in our daily lives. It is relatively easy for most of us to say, "I am grateful for...," but it is often harder to "walk the talk." Having an attitude of gratitude for our own blessings leads us to help others. No matter what your current circumstances, there is no doubt that you have something for which to be grateful....why not express that gratitude by getting involved in The List Kids (www.thelistkids.org). There are so many ways to get involved. We are always in need of cards to put in our care packages. You can make your own or purchase them. Write a short note or just sign your name. Or you can send toys or gift cards to be included in the monthly care packages. To make it easier, we have Wish Lists on both Target.com and Amazon.com. And if you are really ambitious, think about hosting a fundraiser - car washes, bakes sale, pancake breakfast, read-a-thon, etc. We will send you flyers, wristbands, and whatever else you may need to make your event a success. If you are a high school student and need community service hours, we have lots of ways for you to earn them. Shoot me an email at sky@thelistproject.org and I will give you more information. We can help customize a community service project that fits your needs.

There are so many ways to live thankfully. And not surprisingly, the more gratefully one lives, the more blessings one receives! I have gotten so much out of being a part of The List Kids. I have learned to appreciate what I have and in turn want less, if that makes any sense. I have made so many new friends and have met so many inspiring people. And all this began with a simple idea to help a special group of kids. When we started, we only had 12 Iraqi kids to send care packages to ----now we have over 100! Show your attitude of gratitude by getting involved today!

Happy Thanksliving,
Sky

We have much to be thankful for.

2008-10-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

Despite all the turmoil in America with the election, financial crisis, real estate crash, etc., we still have much to be thankful for. We live in a country where we are free. We are free to participate in the political process without fear. We are free to practice our religion, whatever it may be. Every child has the opportunity to go to school. And although the economy is bad, we are still living a life that many people in this world can only dream of. We are blessed.

Now it is time to share that blessing with others. Specifically, we are on a mission to put together Thanksgiving care packages for our Iraqi refugee families that have joined us this year in America. Thanksgiving is a time to look back and reflect on those things you are thankful for. I am thankful to live in a country where everyday people care about people they have never even met and are willing to come together to help these newest members of our communities.

Above are some photos taken of the outpouring of donations that have come in over the past two months. These things have all been shipped out to the List Kids. We are starting from scratch and need to prepare over 50 care packages. We want to fill their packages with cards from people across the US. If you are a teacher, scout master, coach or other leader, please consider having your group make cards to send to the kids. If you are lucky enough to be in a position to make a donation of toys or gift cards, please consider doing so. I have learned not to worry each month as we send out everything we received the prior month. We have always received enough items to send every single child a care package each month. I put my trust in you once again to help make Thanksgiving special for the List Kids.

Thanks,
Sky

Finally! The List Kids Video is Done!

2008-10-05T22:27:00.000-07:00

I finally finished editing my first video clip. It is not as polished as I would like, but it is the first time I have made something like this. I wanted to give people an idea of what happens each month as we put together the care packages. I left off the more mundane tasks such as making labels, updating the various spreadsheets, and filling out the nonprofit paperwork:) Now that I understand the basics of creating a video clip, I hope to bring you more.

Enjoy,
Sky
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAQXApK-Otg

Reflections

2008-09-24T18:37:00.000-07:00

As I sit here tonight I am reflecting on the past year. I am in a "reflecting" mood because tomorrow is my 12th birthday. Without a doubt, getting involved with The List Project and starting The List Kids was one of the best things that happened this past year. I have made so many new friends, both in real life and online. We have sent out care packages every month for six months now and the number of List Kids continues to grow each month. There are several people whose contributions have had a significant impact on the success of The List Kids. First and foremost are my mom, Kirk, Zeba, Tona and Ban. They helped me take my idea and turn it into a project that continues to grow and reach more people. And I have to give thanks to Beth, who designed The List Kids logo and did the graphics for The List Kids flyer, and Joel, who designed The List Kids' website. Then, there are the volunteers who have so graciously given of their time and finances. The top of that list is Carol from Oklahoma and Mateo from South Carolina. You guys are awesome. As are my cousins, Christian and Cayla, who help put together care packages every month. There are so many other people who have really jumped in and made a difference: Julie, Ehab, Beth, Nancy, Alexia, Morgan, Joe, Connie, John, Josh, Ian, Debra, Charlie, Cat, Betty, Carlos, Georgino, Luis, Donna,....I will be here all night if I try to list everyone!

There is still a great need to reach more Iraqi refugee kids so I look forward to growing this project even bigger. Come join The List Kids team----I guarantee it will be a rewarding experience!

Peace,
Sky

P.S. A great way to get involved is to join The List Kids chapter at http://netroots.thelistproject.org

1005

2008-09-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

1005! 1005 what you might ask? 1005 pounds of books were shipped to my mom's office from Penguin Books for The List Kids. In case you were wondering what 1005 pounds of books looks like, my mom took pictures with her cellphone. The books came packed in a large box on a pallet. It would not fit through the doors in my mom's office so all the books had to be transferred out of the large box. Special thanks goes to Betty, Carlos, Luis and Georgino at Holland & Knight LLP. They helped unpack all the books from the large pallet and repacked them into smaller boxes ---35 smaller boxes to be exact. [I was at school so I missed out on this event.] My mom told me that everyone who saw the books being unloaded commented on how amazed they were at the generousity of Penguin Books. I am too. There are books for young adults, soft books for babies, beginning readers, sticker books, books with CDs, Mad Libs, and books for kids of all ages in between. The next step will be taking the boxes from my mom's office to my dad's taekwondo school where we can spread them out, categorize them by reading levels and repack them accordingly. My dad is letting me store them at his work. Each month my cousins and I will take the list of kids that we make care packages for and pick out books to include in their care packages. We know the List Kids will really enjoy these books.

Thanks again to Penguin Books for their amazing generosity!

Peace,
Sky

Sneak Peek

2008-08-28T20:54:00.000-07:00

I am busy editing a short video about what The List Kids team does and will post it here when I finish it. The photo to the right is a sneak peek. This is what the car looks like on a typical run to the postal place to send care packages. What you can't see are the two bikes that are in the backseat of the car and the 4 princess bikes that are at the postal place waiting for labels. As you can imagine, our biggest expense is postage! Thank you again to all the wonderful people that support the List Kids. We could not do it without you.

Peace,

Sky

One of Our Own

2008-08-23T06:31:00.000-07:00

Check out the photos and report from one of our very special List Kids, Samer! Due to a generous donation from Independent Means, Samer spent a week at the exciting "Camp Start Up" (www.independentmeans.com). He wrote a report about his experiences and sent us some photos. He also is making a short video about his experience, which we will post here when he is done. As you will see from his report, this is the first time Samer has flown on an airplane by himself and his first camp experience here in the U.S. Way to go, Samer! We are very proud of you.

Independent Means graciously offered a spot in its week-long camp and The List Kids Team was able to fund Samer's airfare to camp. We are extremely grateful to Independent Means for their generous offer and to Samer for sharing his report and photos with us.

Peace,
Sky

Here is Samer's report:

Samer%27s%20report.doc