Support Us

Around the Block Dates Have Been Set!

Around The Block (ATB) is our largest program where our leadership team, volunteers, and donors can all interact together with the children we serve. ATB is a collaboration among Kids Matter, KOHL’s Department Store, and the McCarty Family Trust.

Since 2006, we have served over 18,175 children in the DFW and Austin areas with our Around The Block program. We have also had over 157,000 books, 30,350+ backpacks, and 15,350 school shoes donated.

Kids Matter has conducted three events per year, averaging 2,000 kids. Our flagship event is held at the KOHL’s Southlake. The second location in the DFW area is at the KOHL’s Arlington. Since 2016, a third event has been held at KOHL’s Sunset Valley in Austin, thanks to the support provided by the McCarty Family Trust.

Kids Matter aims to grow the Around The Block program and event to a national level with more events held annually.

Volunteer your time with us at the 2023 Around the Block Clothing Programs:

Southlake: November 4th

Arlington: November 11th

Austin: November 18th

To volunteer sign up here: https://kidsmatterinternational.org/volunteers/around-the-block-volunteer/

Marti Conner, President

Marti brings over thirty years of experience in marketing and strategic planning at an executive level, working with some of the largest for-profit and non-profit health care systems in the United States, including Cook Children’s Health Care System and Baylor Health Care System. Her expertise encompasses media and public relations, sales management, community and guest relations, telemarking, and research.

Marti has volunteered with Kids Matter for over seven years, in addition to Chairing the Marketing Committee and various fundraising activities for Kids Matter. She has always been a strong advocate for charitable work, previously working with Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas, First Friday Women’s Group, Project Hand-Up, Fort Worth Children’s Advocacy Center, and the Arthritis Foundation.