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, KOHLS Department Store, Twisted X Global Brands, and the McCarty Family Trust.

Since the first event was held in 2006 through 2024, we have served over 20,900, distributed over 187,000 new books, 32,350 new backpacks, and over 19,150 new shoes.

Kids Matter has conducted three events per year, averaging 2,000 kids. Our flagship event is held at the KOHLS Southlake. The second location in the DFW area is at the KOHLS Arlington. Since 2016, a third event has been held at KOHLS 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. Families earning less than $25,000 annually are referred to Kids Matter by school counselors at Title 1 schools, women’s shelters, orphanages, and foster care agencies. The shopping events are held on the first three weekends of November at Kohl’s Southlake, Kohl’s Arlington and Kohl’s Sunset Valley in Austin. Kids Matter gives each child a $100 shopping voucher to shop for warm clothes in preparation for the cold winter months. Volunteers shop with the families to help navigate the store, find the right sizes, and ensure that every dime is spent. For the majority of the kids, it is the first time they are shopping for new clothes and shoes as opposed to second-hand stores or hand-me-downs.

Through a combination of discounts provided by Kohl’s and the Kids Matter tax-exempt status, the $100 can be parlayed into $250 to $300 in new merchandise. Twisted X Global Brands provides each child with high-quality casual shoes valued at $75 to $100. In addition, each child receives a new backpack and book of their choice. On average, each child receives $400 in new merchandise.

It’s important to Kids Matter to nurture the confidence and hope in each child. We not only strive to provide the children with clothing and supplies that they need, but also what they want.

“When you think about your childhood, there are very few things more important than fitting in and dressing like the other kids. Last year, I was paired with a single mom and her two kids at our ATB event. Her 12-year-old son looked despondent. The mom asked if it was alright if he bought a pair of brand-name jeans, which were more expensive than the other jeans. She confided that her son was being bullied because he was wearing hand-me-down clothes and the new jeans would really lift his spirits. I told her, ‘Of course, it is your Kohl’s cash to use as you see fit.’ The immediate change in his demeanor as he held those jeans and the smile on his face is something I will never forget. Our goal is to give these kids a hand-up rather than a hand-down. It could quite literally make a difference in a child’s life. One small pebble can cause thousands of ripples in a person’s life.”

Marti Conner, President of Kids Matter International