Kids First

The 2015 KIDS FIRST HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE collected over 850 sports related gifts for 356 homeless children. Every child received 2 gifts, many received 3. The names and the requests were provided by the APS Title 1 Homeless Project. Molina Healthcare, in it's first year as a partner, adopted 120 kids and is excited about doing even more in 2016. Hands On Physical Therapy, also in their first year, adopted 30. As usual Jack Jones and Gardenswartz Team Sales brokered deals for basketballs, soccer balls and footballs that included 2 for 1 deals that allowed us to maximize our money and provide balls for every child that requested one. Managers at Big 5 on San Mateo also helped by allowing us to buy equipment, clothing and and shoes at sale prices, even after sales were finished. Their partnership allowed us to provide quality gifts at the best prices. Thanks to everyone for making the 2015 project so successful. The dollar amount donated was over $18,000.

HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE SUMMARY: We collected close to 700 athletic shoes, clothing and equipment for the 302 kids that made requests to the APS Title 1 staff members. Each child received at least two gifts, about a third got three.This is the first time we have personalized the holiday gift drive and it was a huge success. Special thanks to Jack Jones of Gardenswartz Team sales and all the managers at the Big 5 Sporting Goods Store on San Mateo. Jack took our cause to the sports manufacturers' convention and secured great prices so we were able to buy 200 basketball, soccer balls and footballs for the kids. Big 5 helped in many ways to assure we purchased the right sizes and items and gave us their best sale prices even when sales where over.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR THEIR GENEROSITY!

Hey everyone. Our KIDS FIRST HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE for homeless children is going great. We already have some 160 sports gifts collected and some $800 in donations. Thanks for all the support. Our goal is to provide over 300 children with sports gifts this holiday season. Help us make this the best holiday season ever. Your donation through gofundme.com is easy and all proceeds come directly to KIDS FIRST.

Why we do what we do:

Good morning Susan,
I delivered indoor soccer shoes which you so generously brought to me to give to an 8th grade boy at Hayes MS. I wanted to let you know how joyful I felt as I watched him open the box. He was incredulous. He had a huge smile on his face with an "I can't believe it" look on his face. He caressed the shoes as if they were made of gold and began to put them on. He said, "They fit!" and carefully put them back in the box. He and I started to talk and he told me about his position as a defensive player. I believe he called it a "sweeper" and spoke about his role. Then we started talking about school.

I believe your actions of getting our kids their sports stuff also allows them to connect directly and indirectly with caring adults. I told him that Title One and our supporters really care about him and want to see him do well with his life.

Your gift of providing shoes are a symbol of that caring. Thank you for allowing me to experience the joy of giving every time you and your sponsors honor our children's dreams.

Title One Resource Teacher

If you are having trouble reaching us, please try the same email address but all in lower caps. Thanks. [email protected].

The annual KIDS FIRST holiday gift drive is currently on. This year the APS Title 1 Homeless Project has given us names and a wish list from some 400 children in the Albuquerque area. We hope to purchase sports equipment and shoes to make this holiday season a special one for these great kids. If you would like to contribute to our shopping spree contact our Executive Director at [email protected] or send a check made out to New Mexico Sports Inc to 2727 Pajarito SW, Alb. 87105. Help us put a smile on as many faces as possible, because every child deserves to play.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support the KidsFirst golf tournament! It was a beautiful day, fun was had by all and each of you contributed to making a difference in a child's life. We thank you!

Due to weather, the KidsFirst Golf Tournament is rescheduled for October 15th. Not too late to come and support this great cause!

Get Ready for the Annual Kids First Golf Tournament! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, September 17th, 1pm shotgun... For more information or to sign up, email [email protected]

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