The Jungle Store Donates Products to Kids in Need

Lenexa, KS, June 07, 2008 --(PR.com)-- According to recent studies, an estimated 13 million children in the United States are living under the poverty level, with over 3 million sometimes going entire days without food. Additionally, around 906,000 children in the U.S. are victims of abuse and neglect each year, resulting in over 1,500 deaths annually. Children’s charities across the nation are working hard to lower these frightening statistics, so when TheJungleStore.com, an animal-themed online retailer, found themselves with a warehouse full of surplus stock, they immediately thought to donate the extra toys to local children’s organizations.

Safe Home, a Kansas City-based organization providing shelter and resources for abused women and their children, gave aid to 6,000 individuals in 2007. Nearly 300 of these stayed in the organization’s shelter facility, where they were provided with food, clothing, healthcare, counseling, and other necessities. The Jungle Store chose to donate several boxes of teddy bears to the organization for the children coming in, who often have to leave all of their belongings behind when they seek refuge in the shelter.

Hundreds of other toys and stuffed animals were donated to an organization called Freedom Fire, a ministry dedicated to touching the lives of Kansas City’s urban youth, and additional donations were made to the Salvation Army and Children’s Mercy, a local children’s hospital.

Another donation comprising school supplies and educational toys was made to the Blue Valley School District’s Parent Teacher Association. The donated items will be used to reward students involved in a reading program and for an upcoming carnival fundraiser that will provide equipment for classrooms.

“There are so many children who have so little, and we had more than we knew what to do with,” says Jungle Store manager Melissa Nemechek. “It only made sense for us to share what we could. We’re really glad we had the opportunity to give something back to our community and help these kids.”

About The Jungle Store- TheJungleStore.com is an online retailer offering a large selection of animal-themed items. They feature a wide variety of home décor products, jewelry, accessories, toys and stuffed animals for children.

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For more information on The Jungle Store or on children’s charities and how you can help, contact Christina Maki at (913) 748-4777, ext. 5326.