Karito Kids Helps Kids Care About Others

Whether it’s donating our time, treasure or talents to help the needy, ‘tis the season to give as generously as possible whether it’s at church, a charity or the Salvation Army ringing a bell at storefronts.

Kids too want to help, when given an opportunity to share. Many will go above and beyond to help someone who is in need. But it has been difficult for many charities and aid organizations to properly connect and communicate with children to let them know how they too can help.

Children need to be empowered with the virtues of charity at a level they can understand and contribute what they can. Karito Kids (“Karito” means “loving one’s neighbor” in Esperanto) has created a way for children to help others when buying their dolls and storybooks.

More Than Just Pretty Faces: Karito Kids Care

Marrying fashion-forward toys with socially responsible giving has garnered Karito Kids the appreciation of parents and the attention of industry movers. The company has been showered with dozens of awards since its inception and has even been named in Oprah Winfrey’s “O” list.

Karito Kids dolls and illustrated storybooks burst onto the retail scene in 2007 with a twist on the typical socially-conscious corporate model, by providing a way for kids to help kids. Three percent of every sale goes directly to Plan International, a global charity founded in 1937 by John Langdon-Davies and Eric Muggeridge.

Plan International partners with a variety of corporations, NGOs, and the US government to help alleviate the suffering of individuals in fifty countries.

Gorgeous and Giving: Inspiring Girls to Lend a Helping Hand

Co-founders Lisa Steen Procter and Laura Rangel wanted to create a charity that not only allowed children to donate part of the proceeds from sales to the less-fortunate, but to also engender a greater understanding of different cultures. With those goals in mind, the entrepreneurs set out to create realistic dolls with unique features that set them apart from the typical manufactured plastic toys. All of the dolls are posable, 21” tall, and made from phthalate-free vinyl, so eco-minded parents can rest easy. Plush versions of the dolls, Travel Charmers, are also available.

Lulu, the doll from Kenya, sports a brightly colored jersey that evokes memories of high-spirited soccer matches. Girls want to say “Hola!” to Pita, the doll with a Mexican heritage. Dressed in a dark romper and jazzy scarlet jacket, girls can connect with her love of horses and helping others. Sassy Zoe from New York brings her own “fabulicious” attitude and creative songwriting ability to the scene, while cool surfer Piper from Down-Under encourages others and acts as a volunteer lifeguard.

Mainland China is represented through the inquisitive Ling, decked out in a jean skirt, leggings, and a sunny t-shirt. Ling’s story depicts her moving from her quiet village to the bright lights and big city of Shanghai . “Ciao, bella!” is the cry for Gia, the doll from Italy. With her street-ready Ugg-like boots and ruffled skirt, Gia is ready for fashion and fun. The dolls’ attire may change, but other outfits and accessories are available.

Each Karito Kid’s story was developed by an award-winning author and designed to be authentic in its approach. To keep the stories fresh, each Karito Kid has her own Web page with constantly updated blogs. With a view for keeping kids coming back for more, the site is chock-full of addictive games girls can play to accumulate points towards donations for food, shelter, education, or medicines; the simple directions help show children they can make a difference, one click at a time.

Do yourself and others good at www.karitokids.com