KID Announces Plan to Cease Operations

Kids in Danger (KID) November 4 announced it will be closing "by year's end." The bulk email also explained that there will be a farewell celebration December 10 in Chicago. The the organization announced the closing in its November newsletter (conta.cc/3AuIvTW).

The newsletter explained, "Fundraising, which has always been difficult, has become harder over the past few years."

Executive Director Nancy Cowles wrote in an email:

"Our founders, Linda and Boaz, who championed KID's cause and our work for so long are ready to celebrate all our victories and thank everyone that helped us make real progress in keeping children safe. KID has done what they envisioned we could – change the product safety system and save lives."

"We will be working in the next months to make sure KID's mission is carried on including finding a good home for some of our programs like the Recall Digest, Design Safety Toolkit and our materials."

Linda Ginzel and Boaz Keysar began the organization after the 1998 death of their 16-month-old son, Danny, who strangled in a V of the folded rails of a portable crib. The Playskool Travel Light had been recalled five years before, but the daycare facility where the incident occurred did not know about the recall.

KID had become a vocal participant in voluntary standards development and frequently joined with other consumer groups in communications to CPSC and at hearings. It was an active participant at conferences of the International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization.

Cowles received that group's Ross Koeser Achievement Award in 2020. She received the 2018 ASTM Margaret Dana award for contributions to consumer product standards. A list of 12 other KID awards is at bit.ly/3Co1SOO.