When The PPAI Expo ends at 3 pm on Thursday, it will be the beginning of efforts to collect hundreds of products donated by generous exhibitors to benefit the Kids In Need Foundation.

Since 1995, the Kids In Need Foundation has worked to ensure that every child is prepared to learn and succeed by providing free classroom essentials to underprivileged schools across the nation. To do that, the organization needs help from companies like those who attend and exhibit at The PPAI Expo.

For the past 10 years, PPAI has provided an opportunity for staff and volunteers from the organization to collect leftover samples after the Expo. All kinds of promotional products are gladly accepted, from pens, markers and t-shirts to plush toys, awards and other recognition items, drinkware, magnets, buttons, ribbons, stickers, bags, clocks and watches, desk and office products, electronics, calendars, games, toys and business accessories. The organization will also accept shelving and exhibit materials from the booths themselves.

The donations are used directly by students whose parents cannot afford to purchase school supplies, and by creative educators in underprivileged schools who use them as incentives, rewards and teaching aids.

To donate leftover samples and products after the show, exhibitors must fill out a donation form at the Kids In Need table located at each main show entrance and pick up labels; place the labels on the boxes or stacks of products and leave them in the booth for pick up on Thursday after 3 pm. Kids In Need will send the company a receipt for the donated products. Products left in the booth without labels cannot be collected.

In addition to product donations at Expo, the Kids In Need Foundation accepts products and cash donations year around at www.kinf.org.

For assistance with product donations at Expo, email Tina Filipski at TinaF@ppai.org.