Kids in Need Foundation Announces Independence from Founding Organization

DAYTON, Ohio--(Business Wire)--The Board of Directors of the Kids In Need Foundation, a national,
non-profit organization dedicated to providing free school supplies
nationwide to economically disadvantaged schoolchildren and
under-funded teachers, announces its separation from the School, Home
& Office Products Association (SHOPA). Founded in 1995, the Foundation
provides free school supplies to 1.5 million children and 100,000
teachers each year.

"We leave SHOPA on a note of gratitude for their past support,"
said Dave Smith, Executive Director of the Kids In Need Foundation.
"The Foundation benefited enormously from SHOPA's financial support
and leadership. However, for several years now, Kids In Need has
relied solely on the financial and product contributions of
corporations and individuals from within and outside the school
supplies and office products industry. We have achieved a level of
maturity that allows us to accomplish our mission better as an
independent organization."

In 2007, the Kids In Need Foundation distributed nearly $32
million worth of product to students and teachers through a national
network of 24 resource centers and will serve its 10 millionth student
during the 2007-2008 academic year. Teachers visit the centers to
obtain supplies for students from low-income families so they have the
tools needed to succeed in the classroom. The Kids In Need National
Network is supported by national sponsors, which include Target, Dixon
Ticonderoga Company, Office Depot Foundation and The Coca-Cola
Company.

In addition, the Foundation conducts the Kids In Need Teacher
Grants program, awarding more than $100,000 each year to teachers. The
Teacher Grants are offered through sponsoring retail chains (Office
Depot Foundation, Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores, Fred Meyer, Rite-Aid,
Publix, and Sav-On Office Supplies) and education credit unions that
support the program through financial donations and back-to-school
promotions. The intent of the grants is to offer educators the
opportunity to teach original, innovative projects for which no other
funding is available. All certified kindergarten through twelfth grade
teachers in the U.S. are eligible to apply.

"With the support of our corporate partners and our dedicated
staff and volunteers, the Kids In Need Foundation will be serving
children and teachers for many years to come," said Smith. "We are
enthusiastically looking forward to seizing new opportunities and
forming additional partnerships with companies and individuals who
care deeply about giving kids a better chance to succeed."

The Foundation has moved its headquarters to 3077 Kettering Blvd.,
Suite 114, Dayton, OH 45439. Anyone interested in making donations or
discussing partnership opportunities can contact the Foundation by
calling 937-296-1230 or emailing info@kidsinneed.net.

The Kids In Need Foundation is a national non-profit organization
providing school supplies to impoverished children and under-funded
teachers. A 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded in 1995, the
Foundation's mission is to ensure that every child is prepared to
learn and succeed by providing free school supplies nationally to
students most in need. The Kids in Need Foundation has distributed
more than $300 million in school supplies and has awarded nearly $1
million in grants to teachers since its founding. For more
information, visit www.kidsinneed.net.

Kids In Need Foundation
Penny Hawk, 937-296-1230, ext. 303
pennyh@kidsinneed.net

Copyright Business Wire 2008