Like all of us, you probably share the joy a child experiences while participating in activities such as football,
ballet lessons, soccer or preparing to join their friends at camp. The unfortunate truth is, there are many
children who are unable to participate in these activities because they lack the necesary funds.
In our county alone there are countless children who have suffered abuse and are now living in foster homes or group
homes. There are also children from low-income families whose parents barely earn enough to cover household expenses.
If you have children of your own or simply remember being a child, we ask you to imagine how low their self-esteem
must be if they are unable to participate in extra curricular activities.
Children In Need is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization administered by staff of San Diego County, health and Human
Services Agency. Our mission is to provide the necessary financial support for enrichment activities to assist
children's participation in sports, arts and cultural interaction. Further, it is our focus to ensure children are
given the opportunity to mature into individuals who will succeed for themselves and for society.
Children In Need (CIN) was started in 1950 by the Assistant director of the Department of Public Welfare for the
County of San Diego. She wrote to a New York businessman, asking if he would be willing to contribute to this
cause. He responded to her request and donated funds for a number of years.
She formed a committee to determine how the funds should be used. The committee, consisting mainly of social
workers, felt that many children were unable to participate in activities, because they lived in foster or group
homes, and funds were limited. Another reason was becasue the childrens' parents were unable to afford anything
above the basic necessities. It was decided that CIN would help with enrichment activites for children in
San Diego County.
Each time the New York businessman made a donation, the founder of CIN reported back how the money was being used.
She identified the needs that were met without revealing the identity of the children.
CIN became incorporated in 1968 and received its non-profit status. By-laws were written and a Board of Directors
created to administer the program. Today, the Board elects the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, the Secretary is
voluntary, and the agency' fiscal department appoints the Treasuser and Cashier. An executive team meets on a
monthly basis, and a quarterly meeting is held for all members.
Because CIN is run entirely by employees of Health and Human Services, there are no administrative costs. The members
volunteer to be part of CIN and 100% of the donations are used for the children.
We accept monetary gifts to address the special needs of San Diego County's disadvantaged children.
Generous contributions from many humanitarian donors and the dedicated efforts of our staff have improved
the lives of thousands of deserving children.
There are no administrative costs. Those who work for Children In Need devote their time on a volunteer
basis. Children In Need is supported entirely by private donations, and 100% of donations to Children In Need
go directly to help the children. Yourcontribution to CIN is also tax deductible. Tax ID #: 95-6209152.
Tell them about Children In Need. Many children are not participating in extra curricualar activities due to limited funding. (Income criteria must be determined unless a child has an active case with Health and Human Services).
Direct contribution
Checks are welcome.
Make checks payable to Children iIn Need and send them to:
6950 Levant Street, San Diego, CA 92111. (THIS IS A MAILING ADDRESS ONLY).