Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQs below are general questions about the KidsLink Downrange Project. If you have questions about creating Card Kits, please find answers to those FAQs here.
Where are the Resource Card downloads? Where do we mail our completed Card Kits?
For our yearly fall project, please go to www.kidslinkonline.org/locations and find your location. On that page you will find a link to download your Resource Cards for printing as well as the address for mailing your completed kits. Our fall project is currently over; however, kits can still be pledged, donations made (pledge and donate), and completed kits sent to Cadence International:
Cadence International
Attn: KidsLink Downrange
101 W Jefferson Ave
Englewood, CO 80110
What is the current Project Timeline?
The current project is completed. However, kits can still be pledged, donations made (pledge and donate), and completed card kits sent to Cadence International:
Cadence International
Attn: KidsLink Downrange
101 W Jefferson Ave
Englewood, CO 80110
Do I have to Pledge?
Pledging allows us to tell chaplains and ministry partners how many kits to expect. This helps them in planning and in ensuring all kits will be delivered to kids at their military installation. Although KidsLink staff and volunteers would not know if you do not pledge, we ask that you please do so for the success of the project. (Pledge here)
Are donations required when pledging?
In short, yes. We ask that your group be committed to helping financially support this project, however YOU do not have to give the donation. Instead you can request the donation from a local business, another group who wants to participate, or your church. You can be creative with how you do this, too. For more questions about donations, go here. Donations are also appreciated and used for the project if you are not pledging kits as well.
What does “Downrange” mean?
In military slang, downrange is a term for being deployed overseas, usually in a war zone.
How will the kids receive the card kits?
The packages will be distributed to the children by Cadence missionaries, Cadence Children’s Ministries (CCM) staff and volunteers, chaplains, or Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC). Many of the kits are being distributed by Family Readiness groups (FRGs) as well.
What is CCM (Cadence Children’s Ministries)?
CCM is an acronym for Cadence Children’s Ministries. CCM touches the lives of military children with Bible clubs in their on-base neighborhoods and schools. Together, military chaplains and CCM staff members train and equip community volunteers in sharing the message of Christ to this special group of kids. All these people work together to anchor children in the hope of Jesus and lead them to living fully devoted to Him.
How is MOPS currently serving the military community?
MOPS International is dedicated to meeting the needs of every mother of preschoolers. In order to attain this vision for moms who are either in the military themselves, or have a spouse in the military, MOPS International has developed the Military MOPS program. A Military MOPS group is much like a Classic MOPS group, except that it is chartered, or sponsored, by a base chapel, either domestic or international.
MOPS groups are core to participating in KidsLink Downrange! We love MOPS groups and what they provide for local mothers and children, as well as how they have risen to the occasion in supporting military families!
Can I participate in this project if I am not involved in a MOPS group?
Yes! If you are involved with a group at church or at school (or anywhere!) that would like to be a part of this project, we would love to have you! Please pledge and donate and use instructions on this web site in the same way MOPS groups would.
I haven’t received my self-addressed card back in the mail.
Although the hope is that the child who receives one of your Card Kits will return the self-addressed card so that you can know more about him or her, some parents or children may opt to not send the card. We are sorry about this, but the receivers of the Card Kit have the option of not responding.
Please, however, pray for the child (or children) that have received the Card Kit you created even though they are nameless to you.
Will every child who has a parent deployed at a specific base receive a Card Kit?
No. Missionaries, school counselors, Family Readiness Groups, and chaplains will help in getting the message out to those who wish to take one. Hopefully, with your help, there will be enough to give one to every child and/or parent who wants it.
What are the ages of the children who receive these Card Kits?
Card Kits are intended to go to elementary school-aged kids. Sometimes children younger or older than this age group receive one.
I would really like my card kits to go to a specific military location; is this possible?
The nature of this project is that we are serving the military families through chaplains and military missionaries and workers, so people with whom we work decide where kits will go based on how many kits are pledged and which military locations are in most need (based on deployment).
