The K.I.N.D. fund, Kids In Need of Desks, is still going strong. As of tonight, our joint program between MSNBC and UNICEF to outfit classrooms in Malawi with desks, has raised $3,532,012! We're so gracious for your continued support.
If you're looking for a last-minute charitable tax deduction for your 2011 tax return, K.I.N.D. still needs your assistance. For $48, you can lift two children off the floor and you can outfit a full classroom with a $720 donation. No dollar amount is too large or small.
Just go to our website lastworddesks.msnbc.com or call 1-800-FOR-KIDS to make a donation.
Leave a Comment:
Dear Mr. O'Donnell:
Your show reminded me of my father, who devoted his entire life to doing exactly what you are promoting, here. When I was eight or nine years old, I often accompanied my father, who was the Director of Education in Kurdistan, Iran. He also was helping to implement the Point Four technical program initiated by then U.S. President Harry S. Truman.
Many villagers did not have electricity, running water, or even enough food – let alone a school, a teacher… or a desk! Because of the lack of basic services, nobody volunteered to teach there. It was also difficult to recruit students, since they were required to help their families in farming, or raising cattle and sheep.
My dad would get a van, hire a teacher, give him two months’ pay, in advance, and load the truck with a blackboard, chalk, chair and yes, desks… and set off for such a village in need. He would find accommodations for the teacher and collect all kids under the age of 12, after obtaining parental consent. He would stay in the village for a couple of days to ensure that nobody – neither the teacher nor the students – would run away and abandon his vital mission.
When he returned home, he often wore only pants and a jacket, with no shirt or sweater beneath -- he had left his clothes there, too… telling us, jokingly, that he had forgotten them in the rush to come home to us. I don’t know the exact amount, but the schools he opened in Iran must have numbered in the several thousands.
I congratulate you on this very important work. I would like to donate two desks, in the memory of my father, and in honor of my daughter, Tara, who has taken many of her traits from her granddad. Good luck to you and happy New Year.
This year you provided the perfect gift for my two oldest sons. My husband left me after a 30 year marriage and my two oldest sons have not spoken to me in several years. Christmas is the worst time of the year even though I still have my two younger sons. My childrens education was always the most important thing I could get for my children. The eldest is a grad or University of California at Berkley and the second from the College of William and Mary. I did a damn good job. This is a gift that will not be returned and will do such good things for other children that don't have the advantages my sons had.
I was very proud when my youngest son, 27, said he would of liked one too. But, he got airfare to come home for the holiday. I will send him one for his birthday. I must tell you that while he was still in college he started working for a non-profit that houses handicapped adults in a home settings. He has been there seven years. He is in charge of four houses that each have four adults and assisistants. It is a wonderful place.
If you ever finish filling schools with desks I would love for you to look up L'Arche. It is L'Arche Heartland in Kansas. I think you would be really impressed. If the rep's get their way and medicaid goes away these men will be on the streets. We can't let that happen.
Happy Holidays,
Jean
A great program. And a great desk. In fact...I'd really like to get one for my own kiddo.... Is that possible now? If not, maybe start a "give one, get one" program (like the XO laptop)?