2007 Firestorm Victims Recover But Have Not Forgotton Kids Korps Spirit of Giving
November 7, 2009
Dear Kids Korps,
We lost our house in the October 2007 Witch Fire. We spent the first five
days out of the county, and when we returned, we heard about a “freesale” in
Rancho Penasqitos, close to where we used to live in Rancho Bernardo. If our
recollection serves us correctly, this freesale was arranged by Kids Korps.
Out of all the charity we received, this was the single most amazing
charitable event, and we will never forget it. Your teen volunteers helped
our children (4 and 6 at the time) select clothes, toys, and books. Having
just lost our house, with all four of us still in shock, we did not know how
to be on the receiving end of charity. Your volunteers practically forced us
to fill two cars with items for our home. As we were able to choose what we
actually needed, many of these items have stayed with us for over two years
now, from bathroom towels to blankets, pots and pans, our children’s
favorite stuffies and many of their books, our morning coffee mugs, etc.
Whenever we use these things, we recall your charitable event.
Two years have passed, and we now feel quite fully recovered. We would like
to support your organization as a means of saying thank you. As we browse
your web site, it’s not clear to me whether donations are tax deductible.
Can you please let us know your status as a registered charitable
organization or 501(c)(3)?
Derek & Jutta
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Dear Derek & Jutta,
It is with such pride and happiness that I read your wonderful letter. Thank
you so much for taking the time to write us. Yes, Kids Korps is the agency
that put together the “Free Store” for Fire Victims on Oct. 27, 2007. I am
so touched that you wrote back to us, letting us know that you are well and
survived the terrible losses that your family suffered. Several
community-based groups distributed food, clothing and money to help Witch
Creek fire familes who lost homes in Poway and Rancho Bernardo.
However, Kids Korps, which is a nonprofit organziation, focues on teaching
kids about civic duties and instills the spirit of giving in our children.
We compiled a collection of used clothing for adults and kids, Halloween
costumes, toiletries, toasters and hundreds of other small appliances and
necessities in Creekside Park that day. Kids Korps organized this phenomenal
two-day effort that demonstarted how a community could rally support for
those in need, in just a short time. Susan Wintersteen, Jill Reilly and
Trisha Richards headed up the event for Kids Korps, which drew Witch Creek
survivors, mostly from Ramona, Poway and Rancho Bernardo. We took a risk in
taking something like this on so early, but we are very proud of the amout
of work parents and kids poured into it. All our volunteers ached inside
because of what had happened to the fire families. More than 50 fire
survirors were teamed up with personal shoppers, adult and youth volunteers
who escorted displaced homeowners and renters through a “free store.” It
was this group of volunteers who helped you and your children pick out the
items you needed the most. I hope it is OK to share your letter with our
members and their parents as a way of showing them your gratitute and
letting them know how kids really can and do make a difference in our world.
Thank you again for your kind words and praise for Kids Korps volunteers.
Yes, we are a 501c3 non profit and all proceeds are tax deductiable.
Thank you again for getting back to us and for letting us know that we were
able to help you in your time of need.
Sincerely,
Robin Chappelow
