On June 15, 2011, the Internal Revenue Service gave Alice's Kids its official approval. The brainchild of Ron Fitzsimmons and his sister, Laura Fitzsimmons Peters, the charity was designed to pay for yearbooks, soccer cleats, new shoes, summer camp, and other items that most charities do not cover. Growing up with a single mom who relied on welfare payments, Ron and Laura experienced firsthand what it was like to watch from the sidelines as their peers went on field trips, took instrument lessons, joined social clubs, and engaged in other activities that their mom could not afford. The shame of being "those welfare kids" was real and palpable, and while they always appreciated receiving charitable assistance, Ron and Laura designed Alice's Kids so the child's dignity was protected by using third parties to deliver the anonymous assistance.  

A lot has happened over the last fifteen years. From the early days, when Ron personally delivered gift cards to teachers and social workers, to today, with five staff members and more than 20 volunteers electronically sending out hundreds of gift cards each month, our growth has been remarkable.

Please enjoy our retrospective look at the years since our inception. And remember that this has all been possible because of you, our donors. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.