yup, I have seen him

I have also seen the top ten list of toys for little girls and boys and count my blessings that I do not have to deal with 7 out of 10 OMG items. You still can opt out of "angry, destructive bird" with a talking globe or a oolgly googly. A programmable robotic rover could be quite brainey or a perplexus rookie game. Keyboards stimulate creativity and are always popular. Crystal growing and stone collecting sets, science, arts and crafts, books!!!!. metal detectors, legos, walkie talkies.... my favorite? a nestview birdhouse.

Love and boundaries are still more compatible than love and permissiveness. Don't buy into the guilt trip of  "all the other kids" however, DO give them options.

Ho Ho Ho



Stretch your PTO with VBS

Many of the moms are breathing a sigh of relief that school is out and the kids can connect with relatives for a while to allow mom and kiddos to recharge. Some of them are not so lucky. Some moms take their vacation time, if  it has not been depleted with time off for sick kids, and if a senior employee, or a manager will authorize it. The lack of finances are always an issue no matter how creative you get.


I heard a lot about VBS - every church is advertising it on a banner in their parking lot. I used to think, nothing is free, they try to convert my kids, oblige me to join their church, want me to volunteer, when it's me that needs a break.....


Actually, you don't have to be a member of the Church to enroll your kids. They provide a  week long camp like environment with lots of fun and games provided by people who love kids. Ages typically range from 4 yrs to 5th grade. There are no intrusive questionnaires. VBS is free. If they do charge a nominal material fee, it can be worked out.

We allow you to give yourself a break (LOL) You, and the kids, will be glad you checked it out.

P.S. You may also check with the YMCA and discuss your financial situation. They will work with you as well.

nominate your school

We are being gifted with office and school supplies.

Originally we filled backpacks and gave them to children of moms who were unable to afford all the supplies at once. We then donated supplies to specific organizations for the same purpose, including refugees. We evolved to donating directly to Schools, where a teacher can hand an "extra" item to a child in need.

If you would like to nominate your kids school, email us and we'll make arrangements.

If you have "extras" or would like to donate a book-fair coupon to a child, we'll gladly accept.

Pay it forward.

we support....

Thirteen kids die on the street everyday, from abuse, disease and suicide. By getting involved you can make a difference and give back to your community. Volunteering is not only rewarding to you, it can save a kid's life.

StandUp For Kids is an all volunteer organization and relies on the generousity of people like you. If you'd like to sponsor kids in your local area, find your local program and look for their wishlist. The types of items we regularly need include:

•New and gently used clothing
•Hygiene products
•Food products
•First Aid products
•Bus passes, phone cards, gift certificates
•Back office program support items
If you are a corporation and want to get involved donating at the national level, please email us at Staff@standupforkids.org.

(art donated by David Grimshaw of winnderfish_falls@yahoo.com)

In the news

Attorney General Announces National Youth Mentoring Awards
On September 2, 2009, Attorney General Eric Holder announced that more than $129 million in Recovery Act and Fiscal Year 2009 funds, which will be administered by OJJDP, have been awarded for mentoring services to help prevent at-risk youth from becoming involved in delinquency.

Learn About Youth Courts
During National Youth Courts Month (September 2009), NCJRS presents the Youth Courts Special Feature. This Web page provides information about youth courts as components of the juvenile justice system and includes links to publications and related resources focusing on youth courts.

Youth Esteem Program

do your youngster a favor...