Q:  What is Jimmy's Kids and how did it get started?
A:  Jimmy's Kids was started in 1989 by youth advocate and national youth speaker Jim Tuman of Royal Oak, Michigan.  We have grown from our initial program serving 22 kids at Dewey School in 1989, to this year's program which has received requests from schools, churches, and neighborhood associations for thousands of children.  This year's goal is to distribute 50,000 toys.

Q:  Who are Jimmy's Kids?
A:  They are special needs kids from 4 years to 11 years of age who are indigent, physically or emotionally challenged, or forgotten.

Q:  What does the Jimmy's Kids program actually do?
A:  We want these children and loving parents to have the best Christmas possible. The Jimmy's Kids program creates Christmas Parties involving games, food, local sports celebrities, sports teams mascots, animal characters, and Santa Claus, but most of all gifts and much needed warm clothing. The Jimmy's Kids Programs are always held on a school, church, or neighborhood association site. Staff supervision and over 200 volunteers help make these Christmas parties memorable ones for these special needs children. Many high school students spend hours mentoring these children and they take away memories and understanding which will help them become more caring adults.  
 
Q:  How is Jimmy's Kids funded and is there a tax deductible 501 (C) 3?
A:  Jimmy's Kids is funded by private contributions of toys and dollars from over 150 businesses, individuals, families, churches, hospitals, organizations, and other charities. Jimmy's Kids is a special program being sponsored by Communities in Schools which is a 501 (C) 3 charity.

Q:  What is Communities in Schools?
A:  Communities in Schools is a 30 year old organization whose mission statement is:
To Champion the Connection of Needed Community Resources with Schools to Help Young People Successfully Learn, Stay in School, and Prepare for Life.
Communities in Schools is the recipient of a fiscal responsibility award, where every dollar donated is translated into $24 in services.

Q:  How can I support Jimmy's Kids?
A:  1. Volunteer to become part of the events by offering your heart, shopping ability, wrapping skills, or any other area of expertise which will delight a child and also meet your needs.
2. Contribute toys, school supplies, clothing and any other related items which you   believe will enhance the quality of life for these children.
3. Send a donation made out to Communities in Schools, the parent organization to Jimmy's Kids at P.O. Box 150, Clawson, Michigan 48017.  Call Jim Tuman for more information at (248) 585-1515.

Q:  How can I be assured my contributions will reach these kids?
A:  Everyone, including Jim Tuman, is an unpaid volunteer, and for every dollar received, one dollar is spent to make the program successful. We take advantage of every sale and special pricing from toy manufacturers to stretch each dollar as far as possible.  Last year we had several hundred extra toys donated at the 11th hour. These toys were distributed to charities who did not make their quotas. Every penny goes toward giving kids a special Christmas.

We care and we share! Going beyond our schools and deep into the heart of these communities…

Along with the thousands of children we reach in the school program, Jimmy’s Kids and CIS have been able to help other needy children and their families at Christmastime. Battered women’s shelters, low income housing occupants, homeless shelters and struggling inner city churches are just a few of the charities we share our blessings with to provide a Christmas.