Kids Around the World is a faith-based organization founded in 1994 by Dennis Johnson. Initially, their goal was to provide safe play equipment for children who were affected by natural disasters, economic stress, political injustice, war and other situations beyond their control. Many organizations, such as the Rotary International Foundation, the Million Dollar Round Table Foundation, Salvation Army, World Vision, and Samaritan’s Purse, along with individuals provide the resources for global travel and the construction of playgrounds.1
Recycling playgrounds is a model employed by Kids Around the World to reclaim used playground equipment. The organization funds the removal, refurbishment, shipment and installation of the equipment in the foreign country. They guarantee the playground will not be reinstalled in the United States. Once newly installed, a photograph of the children using the playground is available to the equipment donor. Countries to have playgrounds recently installed include Mexico, Haiti, Kyrgyzstan, and Jamaica.2
Providing meals for children is Kids Around the World’s latest endeavor. Food packages that can be prepared in 20 minutes are assembled at the host location or at their warehouse in Rockford, Illinois. A food package contains 6 servings. One box contains 36 packages and feeds 216 children. A pallet contains 66 boxes and can feed 14,256 children. Often the food packages are combined with the shipment of playground equipment to the foreign location. Distribution is done through the local partners who ensure the children receive the meals.3
- 1. “About Us.” Kids Around the World. < http://www.kidsaroundtheworld.com/about.htm > 31 Jan 2011.
- 2. “Recycling Playgrounds.” Kids Around the World. < http://www.kidsaroundtheworld.com/Recycling_Playgrounds.htm > 31 Jan 2011.
- 3. “Food Program.” Kids Around the World. < http://kidsaroundtheworld.com/Kids_Against_Hunger_2010.htm > 31 Jan 2011.
