Videotaped Recording Can Help Find, Identify Lost Child

Tragically, more than 1.4 million children are reported missing in the United States each year.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and Blockbuster Video are providing a free program to help children who may, in the future, be reported missing. In its sixth year, the program is offered every August.

KIDPRINT is a video identification program that provides parents with a permanent videotape record of their child. Unlike a still photograph, it captures the likeness, mannerisms and voice characteristics of the child.

“We hope parents will never have to use their KIDPRINT videocassette,” says Bruce Butcher, director of marketing for Blockbuster Video. “However, it could be very useful to provide to the police in the unfortunate event that a child is ever reported missing.”

During the remaining days of August, parents can take their child to any of the Spokane or Coeur d’Alene Blockbuster Video stores.

The children are positioned in front of a camera next to a colorful height chart and asked a few simple questions such as name, age and home address. These questions help to identify your child and - while informative - are designed to be fun in a non-threatening atmosphere.

In just a few minutes, parents receive their child’s KIDPRINT on a complimentary VHS videocassette. No purchase is necessary.

For store hours, call the Blockbuster Video nearest you.

Reading is rewarding

“The most important gift parents and caring adults can give children is their time and a lifelong love of learning,” says U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley.

To help parents in this endeavor, the U.S. Department of Education is offering a free reading kit called READ*WRITE*NOW!

The kit includes two workbooks filled with activities and games to promote reading and writing, which are separated into age groups from preschool through sixth grade. Also included is a reading program with specific goals and a recommended reading list.

To reward kids who participate in the program, the kit also includes a bookmark, a completion certificate and a coupon for a free Personal Pan pizza at participating Pizza Hut restaurants, redeemable through Sept. 18.

To order READ*WRITE*NOW! call (800) USA-LEARN.

Just for 4s

While preschoolers watch their older siblings go back to school, there is an activity book written especially for them, “A Year Of Fun Just For Four’s” by Theodosia Spewock (Warren Publishing House, $4.95).

The calendar-like book is designed to hang on the wall with activities recommended for each month along with songs, kid-tested recipes and learning games.

Each chapter highlights skills and abilities that can be developed naturally at certain stages. Just turn to a particular month and begin.

“A Year of Fun Just For Three’s” and “A Year Of Fun Just For Five’s” are also available at the same price. To order, call (800) 773-7240.

Shop by the book

To make catalog shopping easier, the Direct Marketing Association has produced a book, “Great Catalog Guide,” now in its 7th edition.

The guide features 200 catalog companies broken down into 50 product categories, with information on each company such as how to request a catalog, place an order or make a special inquiry. It also lists unique services the company may offer and gives general tips about mail-order shopping and consumer rights.

To order a copy, send a $3 check payable to: Direct Marketing Association, Great Catalog Guide, 1111 19th St. N.W., Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20036-3603.

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