Alices Kids Inc

“Part I, Line 1: Alices Kids was founded in 2011 to address hardships felt by children growing up in poverty. Children experience emotional hardships when they are bullied for attending school wearing the same tattered sweater five days in a row or skip school because they cannot afford deodorant or other basic toiletries. They are disappointed when they cant afford the fees to participate in a field trip, senior trip, graduation or buy an outfit to wear to the Prom. Indeed, the public aspect of poverty can be harsher than the private. Alices Kids is unique to other charities because it provides targeted financial assistance to children in a way that will help preserve the dignity of the child. Children in need are identified by a network of teachers, social workers, homeless shelter staff and others who complete a simple request form online. Average grants are $125 and an electronic gift card or check is provided within a few days to the requestor who passes it to the parent or guardian. They are then able to take their child shopping to fulfill the requested need. The child doesnt know they have received charity and the parent or guardian has the opportunity to shine in front of their child. Alices Kids is a grassroots organization that has grown dramatically over the years. In 2012, it received $14,000 in donations. From its humble beginnings, it has continued its growth each year. In 2024, the organization raised over a million in donations. These donations helped over 10,400 children in 48 different states in 2024. We often hear how our gift has changed the life of the children we serve. These are just a few of the many comments from this past year. I wanted to share that this debater had an excellent season thanks to being able to attend camp because of your scholarship and then working really hard all year to apply what he learned. He was the first ever student from our school to win the National Urban Debate Championship! Newsweek even wrote an article about this student and his partner highlighting their success. I just want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the support you gave my client. She and her brother attended grief camp last weekend and had a transformative experience. Going to camp led them to new activities, a new environment, and new friends. It also connected them with therapeutic support they have never had before. The camp experience was just the first step in their healing and growth and it would not have been possible without the support of Alices Kids. My client was able to get a sleeping bag, a rain coat, proper camp shoes and a swim suit (which allowed her to go swimming and tubing for the first time!) It was magical to hear my clients grandmother recount the impact this had. Thank you so much for what you do. We had a very emotionally charged day today - our older staff members are retiring and three others are headed to a different district. I was pretty bummed all day, losing some of my friends and colleagues, but I burst into tears when one of your recipients of a grant was telling another student everything was going to be okay next year. We still have Ms. French. And she has people! She gets things taken care of! And that is THANKS to you all. Honestly. I could not do what I do without you all. I am so incredibly thankful to have found you guys and like from the bottom of my heart SO THANKFUL for all the good you have helped me do. It isnt fair I get the hugs and the thanks because I didnt do it alone. In 2024, we received formal recognition by the Fairfax County Virginia Board of Supervisors, which issued a proclamation honoring Alices Kids for its work in the community and recent national recognition. Our successes are celebrated on our website, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and other social media outlets. After all these years, we know that a little help can go a long way.”

“Laura Peters, President is the sibling of Ronald Fitzsimmons, Executive Director. Patrick Fitzsimmons, Board Member is the son of Ronald Fitzsimmons, Executive Director, and nephew of Laura Peters, President and nephew of John Knemeyer, Secretary. John Knemeyer, Secretary, is the brother-in-law of Ronald Fitzsimmons, Executive Director, and the Uncle of Patrick Fitzsimmons, Board Member.”

“The 990 draft is issued to each Board Member for review and approval prior to filing.”

“Board Members are asked to review the Bylaws including the Conflict of Interest Policy annually. Board Members make disclosures and sign a form disclosing any relationships.”

“The audited financial statements and other documents are available by request.”

“The Board reviews the Executive Directors compensation annually. They compare compensation to similar sized non-profit agencies in the region reported on 990s via Guidestar.”