The List Kids

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

Looks like we need a bigger trunk...

2008-07-29T20:50:00.001-07:00

I was out of town for the past 10 days. When I checked the List Kids' postal box today, I was pleasantly surprised ---no, stunned--- to find so many packages waiting for pickup. Two of the List Kids' biggest (and most prolific) supporters had outdone themselves again. Carol in Tulsa and Matt in South Carolina were responsible for most of these packages! This month's care packages are going to the best ever. Nancy, a fabulous graphic designer, sent some amazing cards she designed. And my friend, Ian in Colorado, sent me his Gamecube and a bunch of games. Add this to the Gamecube that my cousin Christian donated and you know there are going to be some happy List Kids. You guys really are the greatest. We have quite a few new families that will be arriving this month and next so we are excited about giving them a List Kids' special welcome. Thanks to Carol, Matt, Nancy, Christian and Ian, we will be ready for them.

Sky

Priceless!

2008-07-16T20:14:00.000-07:00

I almost don't want to write anything as this photo speaks volumes. I bet you are sitting there at your computer with a smile on your face; it's contagious. These are three of our List Kids. In this month's care package they received an XBox and some games...do you think they liked it? I will admit that this photo brings a special smile to my face because it was my XBox and I am so thrilled to see that it really made them happy. What makes me even happier is that I have received several more game systems so I know there will be even more List Kids smiling like this. I love this photo, and I am extremely grateful that they gave us permission to share it with you. I am going to stop writing because my words are nothing compared to the photo. Priceless!

Dream Big, Think Big, Do Big!
Sky

What's missing from this photo?

2008-07-14T20:02:00.000-07:00

What's missing is the 4th box that contained a Big Wheel! All four boxes came from one of the List Kids' biggest supporters --- Carol in Tulsa. I immediately shipped out the Big Wheel to a lucky young List Kid to enjoy. As usual, Carol sent loads of handwritten cards and stickers. She also sent a Leapster. These are really fun toys that will help the youngest List Kids with their English. I can't wait to assemble this month's care packages!

Carol, you deserve a standing ovation for all of your support!

Sky

Games, Games, Games!

2008-07-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

We have received at least one kind of each of the major gaming systems, with the exception of a PSP and a Wii. We have collected several Gameboys, a Nintendo DS, a Playstation 2, an X-Box and a Gamecube. Thanks to Carol in Tulsa, we have even received a brand new Leapster. The systems have already been sent out to several lucky List Kids in this month's care packages. What we need now are some more games to send to the kids. I know you can turn in your old games and get a credit for them towards a new game, but think about how much better it would feel to send your games to a List Kid! For nothing more than the cost of postage, you can give a List Kid hours of fun. Think about it.

THINK BIG, DO BIG -

Sky

P.S. We could still use more systems, so send those in if you have one your are willing to part with! Playstations and X-Boxes are especially nice since they can double as dvd players;)

All of this in one box!

2008-07-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, imagine my surprise when I received today's List Kids mail. First, I received a big box from my friends in California. Morgan (a very talented young person) wrote these amazing welcome cards in Arabic. They are so beautiful. Trust me, the photos do not do them justice. They are so cool. And, I am so jealous that I can't write in Arabic! Plus, Morgan and her mom went shopping and sent tons of paper, markers (192 to be exact!!!!), flashcards, and puzzles. I cannot wait to sit down to prepare the next set of care packages. The kids are going to love this stuff!

I also received some great letters from Matt in South Carolina and a very generous donation. I "met" Matt online at the List Project's new networking site: http://netroots.thelistproject.org/ I was amazed at how fast he offered to help. I already have a special gift in mind for two young List Kids and your gift, Matt, has made it possible to get this gift in time for the next shipment.

I can't thank you guys enough for all that you have done to make a difference in the lives of these kids!

Peace,
Sky

Iraq Fact of the Day: The writing (takbir) on the Iraqi flag means "God is great." The flag that was approved by parliament of Iraq in January 2008 changed the script of the takbir to Kufic script (a venerable script that originated in Kufa, Iraq).

Take A Stand

2008-07-02T19:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks to John and Molly, I have learned about Sunkist's "Take A Stand" program. Sunkist will provide you with a cool lemonade stand (like the one used by John and Molly), posters, flyers, recipes, and other tips to help you raise money for a charity of your choice ---- of course, I suggest The List Kids;)

All you have to do is request your own stand at: http://www.sunkist.com/takeastand/

What a great way to have fun this summer and raise money for The List Kids! If you are willing to "take a stand" for the List Kids, please let me know. Click on this link for a List Kids flyer to distribute to your customers: List%20Kids%20flyer.doc

I will send anyone who hosts a stand a cool List Kids wristband and backpack. And, if you send me your photos, I will post them here on the List Kids blog.

My email is: kids@thelistproject.org

Sky

Iraq Fact of the Day: I don't know if lemonade is popular in Iraq, but I do know that orange soda is!

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words!

2008-07-01T20:34:00.000-07:00

I want to introduce you to two special friends: John and Molly. They are both 9 years old and live in Louisiana. They worked their lemonade stand and donated all their profits to the List Kids. They raised $43.35 in one day selling lemonade! They also passed out flyers to help raise people's awareness about the problems faced by our Iraqi allies. Very impressive. But that is not all - - - John also donated his Gameboy and a bag full of games. John and Molly learned about the List Kids, thought of way to help, and took action. They exemplify the List Kids new motto: Dream Big, Think Big, Do Big.

Kudos to John and Molly! You DID BIG!

Peace,

Sky

What a week!

2008-06-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

I was out of town last week. This morning when I went to check my post office box, I was thrilled to find four boxes of gifts from the Target wish list, some donations, and a big box of signed cards and stickers from one of our favorite contributors, Carol in Oklahoma. To top it off, I brought back from my trip donations, both money and gaming systems, that friends gave me last week. I have to admit that for the past few weeks I was kind of getting worried that people really were not that interested in helping the List Kids and were not going to get involved. With the rising gas prices, the housing crisis, the upcoming elections, and the natural disasters, including the latest flooding here in the US, I know it is easy to get preoccupied with these other issues. The List Families are coming to the US and having to try to adjust to their new lives here and are facing these very same challenges. They are trying to rebuild their lives. It is a great feeling to know that we are having an impact in their lives. Our simple gesture of sending monthly care packages to the List Kids really makes a difference in these kids' lives.

I want to thank Diplopundit for helping spreading the word by blogging about the List Kids. I want to thank the companies that have partnered with the List Kids - Penguin Books, The 99/Teshkeel Media Group, and Independent Means camps. And I want to thank the following people who have really helped make a difference: Christian, Cayla, Sophia, Noel, Kirk, Zeba, Chris, Tona, Ban, Carol (Tulsa), Alexia, Morgan, John, Molly, Connie, LA, Nuntiya, Evyn, TJ, Erik S., Debra, Carol (Waco), Sherri, Donna, Eric, Evan, and Laurie. By your actions, you have changed a several children's lives. Let's keep it going!

Sky

Fantastic

2008-06-16T20:09:00.000-07:00

I wanted to give a shout out to nine year old John and Molly, who manned a lemonade stand and raised over $40 for the List Kids. Way to go! It is so cool to learn of other kids coming up with their own way to raise funds to help the List Kids. John even passed out flyers to all of his customers so he did more than just raise money--- he raised people's awareness about an important issue. Thanks, John, for taking the time to care!

Peace,

Sky

Iraq Fact of the Day: Soccer (aka football) is the one of the most popular sport in Iraq. Other popular sports in Iraq include wrestling, volleyball, taekwondo, track & field and basketball.

Problems with Target Wish List

2008-06-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

Please bear with us as we work out some problems with purchases made from the Target Wish List. There seems to be a problem with the delivery of items to the postal center where the List Kids gets its mail --- the delivery truck comes before normal business offers resulting in gifts being returned and credited back to the purchaser. We are working on resolving these issues and the cost of shipping. Thanks for your patience as we try to resolve this.

Sky

Thanks

2008-06-13T06:25:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I received a thank you email from the parent of a newly arrived List Kid. He said his daughter was so happy when she received her care package. The email was cool because you could almost "hear" how happy this father was. A simple gesture of sending a few cards, stickers, coloring books and crayons brought happiness not only to a three year old little girl, but also to her father. So thanks to all the folks who have taken the time to send in cards and letters to be included in the care packages. You really are making a difference in the lives of the List Families.

Keep them coming!

Sky

Iraq Fact of the Day: Iraq, especially the Baghdad Institute, is one of the great centers of Arab classical music. Check out a sampling of Oudist Ahmed Mukhtar:
http://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/worldmusic/view/page.basic/artist/content.artist/ahmed_mukhtar_46405

The Card of the Week

2008-06-03T18:36:00.000-07:00

The Card of the Week is from Carol in Oklahoma! That should be plural as she sent a batch of cards she made for the List Kid care packages. She also sent some very cool stickers. We sent her cards along with other gifts in our most recent set of care packages to the Iraqi kids from The List who have resettled here in the US. I know they will really like them. Thanks again, Carol!

If you would like to send cards to be included in the List Kid care packages, please send them to: The List Kids, 1641 Hiatus Road, Box 107, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33026.

Waiting for your cards and letters,
Sky

Iraq Fact of the Day: The average temperature in Baghdad, Iraq during the summer months is approximately 100-108 F. The highest recorded temperature was 122 F!

How cool is this?

2008-05-28T19:35:00.000-07:00

Since I last blogged, many people have offered to help the List Kids. A young man in Reno offered to part with his old game systems. Another young man in Louisiana is going to set up a lemonade stand to raise money for the List Kids. A wonderful woman in Oklahoma took the time to send a large number of cards and stickers for the care packages. She even wrote "welcome" in Arabic. Others have ordered items from the List Kids Target Wish List. I was also thrilled to learn this week that some folks have written about the List Kids on their blogs. In addition, we have had several companies contact The List Kids offering help. One of the coolest offers came from the CEO of an amazing summer camp program,

http://www.independentmeans.com/imi/summer. It is really awesome to see other people getting interested in The List Kids project.

I would love to feature you and your List Kids project here on my blog. Send me an email about your project and a photo and I will post it here. I will also send anyone who emails me about their project a cool blue, glow-in-the dark List Kids wristband. Send your emails to kids@thelistproject.org.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Sky

The 99

2008-05-21T10:25:00.000-07:00

As you may have seen on the List Kids homepage, Teshkeel Media Group generously donated an annual subscription to "The 99" for each each of the List Kids. They were one of our very first sponsors and The List Kids is very excited about this partnership. The 99 comic books series features 99 characters from 99 different countries and is based on Islamic culture and history. It is not, however, a religious comic book series. As with most superhero comics book, it is about good triumphing over evil and reflects the universal truths that are recognized in any culture. The quality of the artwork is amazing. They are very intelligently written. I highly recommend that you check out The 99 website: http://www.the99.org/ for more information. You can even download a free copy of The 99 "Origins."

As a Christian living in the U.S., I will admit that I did not know much about Islamic culture before starting this project. I am smart enough to know not to rely solely on what is portrayed in the media. Reading these comics books, I recognized that there are many similarities between our cultures...and superheros;)

Peace,

Sky

Wow ---did you catch 60 Minutes?

2008-05-18T18:20:00.000-07:00

I have met Kirk Johnson on several occasions and he is always impressive to me. Watching him on 60 Minutes was awesome. He spoke so clearly and directly about the problem. When you sit and think about it, can you believe that what we are talking about is a list of 1,000 names of men and women who risked their lives to work side by side with Americans in Iraq. How can a country of our size not reach out and help these people? Sweden took in over 40,000 refugees. Other countries took in all the Iraqis who worked with them. It seems so simple, so uncomplicated. These people went through extensive security checks to get jobs with our troops. They risked their lives standing shoulder to shoulder with our soldiers. Our soldiers trusted them with their lives. Doesn't that count for anything? I was saddened and angry when I read some of the responses on the CBS website after the show. The comments that made me angriest were those that were based on fear of these people simply because they are Iraqis and perhaps Muslims. Such comments caught me off guard.

Although I do not agree with their logic, at least I can understand those who advocate for taking care of those who need help here in the U.S. Helping the 1,000+ people on Kirk's List and taking care of those who need help here in America are not mutually exclusive goals. Just as we should also help those struggling after the natural disasters in China and Myanmar. Although I am young, I understand the problems with our economy. There are many ways to help that involve little to no money:

Don't be content with the sound bites on the nightly news.
Write your Congressman.
If a List family is resettled in your community, lend your support and a helping hand.
Write a letter or card that can be forwarded to a List family to let them know they are welcome.
Speak up when you others engaging in hate-mongering or spread misinformation based upon ignorance.

The List Project is focused on helping a very small subset of people that have already proved their trustworthiness and loyalty to the U.S. Don't get lost in the rhetoric.

Sky

60 Minutes This Sunday!

2008-05-16T19:12:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends!

Make sure you check out "60 Minutes" this Sunday evening. They are doing a story on the List Project. I believe it will provide a more in depth look about what the List Families are going through and the people trying to help them. You could be one of those helping to make a difference. While most of us can't drop everything in our lives like Kirk Johnson has, there are so many little ways to get involved---check out our "how to help" pages for ideas.

Peace,

Sky

Happy Mother's Day to all Moms

2008-05-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day. We went to my Aunt's house, and I spent the day playing outside with my cousins. I love spending time with my cousins, aunts, uncles, parents, and grandparents. At the end of the day, my cousins and I made cards for this month's care packages that are going out to the List Kids. It made me think about the fact that many of the List families are separated from their extended families. Can you imagine if your parents came home and told you that your family was in danger and you were moving to a foreign country? I can't imagine how hard it was to say goodbye to their friends and family, not knowing if or when they would ever see them again. Thinking about this makes me even more determined to find a way to reach out to them as they build new lives here in the U.S. As you can see from the List Kids' website, we are collecting cards, letters and gift cards to send with our care packages. Can you spare a few minutes this week to send a card or letter that can be included in this month's care package? Why not sit down with some friends and have a card-making or letter-writing party? Send me a picture of your party, and I will post it here. Here is a photo of me and my cousins making cards today. If my 4 year old cousin can do it, so can you!

Sky

What could be so important?

2008-04-30T06:09:00.000-07:00

I recently read that there are over 8 million blogs and that on average more than 35,000 new blogs go online each day. I always wondered what would compel a person to sit down and tell the whole world what is going on in their daily lives. What could possibly be that important? Now I know. Sometimes you learn something that you simply cannot believe is true, and when you find out it is true, you feel the need to make sure that everyone else knows about it. As my aunt would say, "you feel like shouting it from the mountaintops." Well, here is my mountaintop. There are men and women who risked their lives to help our US soldiers in Iraq and now their lives are in danger. Not only are their lives in danger, but their whole family is danger. I started this project after learning about an Iraqi man who helped on military reconstruction projects, rebuilding schools in Iraq. He received repeated death threats but still kept working with the Americans. A friend and co-worker was killed, but he still kept working with the Americans. In fact, he kept working until insurgents kidnapped his 12-year old son. That was the final straw. After getting his son back, he and his family fled Iraq to a neighboring country. They are now refugees, living in conditions they never imagined possible when the father decided to work with the Americans. It really hit me to think that the son was only a year older than me. He was held by the kidnappers and beaten for over a week. Why? Because his father helped the Americans. Now it is our time to help them. The choice is clear and simple. Get involved! On the List Project and List Kids pages we offer many different ways to make a difference in the lives of these special families.

Peace