Every Kid Counts main focus is to provide assistance to our community’s youth. This is made possible through three main programs: Educational, Athletic and Philanthropic. The youths who participate in the programs will be given a great opportunity to learn, be involved and find solutions to the challenges they are facing in today’s society. When these programs work together, they help to create a well-balanced sociological life.
Educational Programs
Books to Bikes Literacy and Obesity Prevention Program: This program was established for the sole purpose of helping our community’s youth overcome the many challenges that they are faced with on a daily bases and to enhance their reading and writing skills through the encouragement and opportunity to win a brand new bike. The role out of this program began in October of 2012 and ran through April of 2013 with over 17,000 books read and reports written and 300 bikes presented to the winners of each monthly program in 9 school effecting over 6000 students.
“Character Counts” Scholarship Program: Since 2012, nine students have been chosen annually from the Creighton Elementary School District. These students are being promoted from the 8th grade to high school and deserve some special assistance for success. They are chosen by the teaching and administrative staff on the basis of character and academic improvement. The award is a $250 back-to-school gift card to purchase new clothes and supplies for high school.
“Stuff the Pack” Program: This program started in 2002 and has grown and evolved to help fill thousands of backpacks with food, clothing and school supplies for needy families prior to the start of the new school year.
In 2018, with donations from our generous supporters, we were able to fill almost 1,780 backpacks with thousands of pounds of food, many boxes of clothing and many grocery gift cards.
Athletic Programs
Leadership through Sports: Through our Partnership with the Arizona Major League Alumni Association we are able to promote and encourage good sportsmanship and character development through baseball camps that feature MLB alumni chapter members
participation.
“Leadership through Baseball” (EKC Thunder Ball Club) started in 2010 under the direction of Dax Jones. This program has helped hundreds of youth experience success through baseball.
“Arizona Open High School Bass Fishing Club” (Arizona Bassbusters): Under the direction of Brian Chambers, EKC sponsored a team who was able to compete in the 2010 Inaugural High School World Championship Bass Fishing Tournament. At that tournament, Brandon Koon and Thomas Chambers took second. The next year, the same boys went on to compete and win the championship title in the World Finals.
Philanthropic Programs
Throughout the year Every Kid Counts children’s charity provides low income families with food, clothing and hygiene items. For many years EKC has teamed up with various organizations that distribute the items that we purchased and/or collect from many of our caring donors. Organizations such as the Creighton Community Foundation and Creighton School District Community outreach, and various food banks and shelters provide the items to qualified recipients. No child should go without food or proper clothing. EKC is dedicated through our philanthropic efforts to ensure that we provide what we can and whenever we can to support families in need.
Throughout the year Every Kid Counts children’s charity provides low income families with food, clothing and hygiene items. For many years EKC has teamed up with various organizations that distribute the items that we purchased and/or collect from many of our caring donors. Organizations such as the Creighton Community Foundation and Creighton School District Community outreach, and various food banks and shelters provide the items to qualified recipients. No child should go without food or proper clothing. EKC is dedicated through our philanthropic efforts to ensure that we provide what we can and whenever we can to support families in need.
“Season of Giving” and annual Toy Drive: Starting in 1994, the first holiday party was hosted in the Arizona State University charter of Phi Sigma Kappa collaborating with the members of the Single Parents Association of Greater Phoenix. This event continues to flourish and now involves the same fraternity at Northern Arizona University.
In 1995, the first toy drive started and has grown into a season of giving where our organization is able to make the holiday special for hundred of needy children, from homeless, single-parent, military, adopted, and poor families.
Every Kid Counts relies heavily on its many volunteers to assist in fund-raising events and programming needs.
Events & Programs
Books to Bikes
Grad Night
Season of Giving
Aces & Bases
Golf Tournament
Stuff the Pack