Don't worry, we'll make sure the kids wash up before lunch

Sunset, May, 2003

Nothing matters more than the safety of your children. Absolutely nothing. So, while you probably expected to be absorbing a humorously pithy, yet lengthy, pitch right about now, we feel we shouldn't. The following information is important and should be treated that way.

In honor of National Missing Children's Day, OSH stores are teaming up with the Vanished Children's Alliance, the American Football Coaches Association, and community leaders throughout the state to bring you project KID (Kid's (IDentification). A program whose sole endeavor is to provide a child identification to every parent who wants one. A child identification is actually an entire file. Included are fingerprints (the little ones get whole handprints), a photograph (perfect for embarrassing them with when they're older) and all your child's vital statistics. It's all very official, and very private. Every dimpled photograph and inky spiral is yours alone to keep. Free of charge. Put it away somewhere safe. May it never see the light of day again. Of course, until their prom date shows up.

When you come out to OSH on Saturday, May 17, you might just see members of local law enforcement on hand. Deputies from the sheriff's department will be at most stores to personally help children ink and roll, ink and roll. And not to worry, there will be lots of those little moist towelettes. Because the prints are important, but so is the upholstery in the Family Truckster.

Also on hand at Bay Area stores will be volunteers from the Vanished Children's Alliance. The VCA will be providing tons of free information and helpful tips on keeping children safe. They are one of the country's oldest and most experienced missing children's organizations. Since 1980 they have helped reunite thousands of families all over the world. Based in San Jose, California, the VCA is an organization dedicated to protecting children from harm and bringing missing children home. Needless to say, OSH is extremely proud to partner with them in any way we can.

It'll be a day for the whole family. And there will be lots of families. The entire neighborhood is invited. It might just be the best time your kids ever have where the phrase "for your own good" comes into play. Just picture it, your little rascals, real cops creating real fingerprints.. hey who knows? Maybe if they ask nice enough, they'll get to hit the siren in the squad car. One thing's for sure, the kids who get there early will get a souvenir bucket to take home. Perfect for the beach this summer.

The parents, well, they get to be proud parents. "That's my kid" kind of proud. Which we know you can't get enough of So, go ahead and bring an extra battery for the new video camera, we'll be here from 10 to 4.