SEATTLE, Jan. 24, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- A leader in the children's apparel and accessories industry, OshKosh B'Gosh, has donated $1.5 million in product to Kids In Distressed Situations, Inc. (K.I.D.S.) and World Vision to support tsunami relief efforts. The gift includes more than 57,000 units that will be delivered by World Vision to children and families in tsunami disaster-affected areas throughout South Asia.
The devastation caused by the tsunami has left thousands of children orphaned or separated from their families, putting them at great risk of neglect, disease and exploitation. World Vision has more than 4,000 staff in the disaster-affected region and has been working in the region for more than 40 years.
World Vision receives and distributes donated goods to shelters and child protection centers it has established, as well as homes and schools in remote regions when possible. Children's apparel is especially needed for the many children whose worldly belongings were swept away and who are left yearning for a sense of normalcy and comfort.
"At OshKosh B'Gosh our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the tsunami in South Asia," said David Omachinski, president and chief operating officer. "As a company we have very close relationships with many people in Sri Lanka and have decided to focus our efforts to provide aid to that area, in particular to the children. In addition to monetary donations made by both our company and individual employees, OshKosh B'Gosh feels fortunate that we are able to help clothe the survivors of this horrible disaster."
About OshKosh B'Gosh, Inc.
OshKosh B'Gosh, Inc. is best known as a premier marketer of quality children's apparel and accessories, available in over 50 countries around the world. The company is headquartered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
About K.I.D.S.
K.I.D.S. is a charity that distributes juvenile products, clothes, shoes, toys, books, and other products to non-profit agencies. These agencies work with children living in poverty stricken communities, homeless shelters, hospitals, and AIDS clinics within the United States and abroad. Since 1985, K.I.D.S. has donated more than $400 million worth of new merchandise to children in need. For more information, visit or call (800) 266-3314.
About World Vision
World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty. World Vision serves the world's poor regardless of a person's religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, visit www.worldvision.org.