Curves is collecting goods to send overseas
By Angela Randazzo Special to the Acorn

When the women who worked out at Curves for Women in Simi Valley discovered that one of their members had a son serving in Iraq, they wasted no time shaping up a plan to do something for him.

For the month of May, Curves, at 3885 Cochran St., is doubling as a collection site for goods for the deployed Army unit of Staff Sgt. Michael Kidd, a 1997 graduate of Simi Valley High School.

The 27-year-old is the son of Jennifer and Marvin Kidd of Simi Valley. Jennifer has been a member of Curves since 2004.

"I send Michael things about once a month," she said. "We want to send a collection Michael will share with his whole group."

Having joined the military in 2003, Michael left for his first tour of duty in Iraq last November. One of his primary responsibilities is disarming enemy explosives.

"He likes a challenge. He loves his work, but he's extremely safe when he does his job. He's not going to take risks," his mother said.

The Kidds have lived in Simi Valley for 32 years. Marvin is a retired Los Angeles police officer. Jennifer is a teacher at Trinity Lutheran Preschool on Alamo Street.

The Curves staff first collected goods for Michael and his fellow soldiers at Christmas. And because he is the father of two children- McKade and Trenady- manager Linda Vaughan thought Father's Day would be the perfect time for their next shipment.

"Everyone forgets about Father's Day. Michael is a father, so we thought it would be appropriate to send a shipment at this time," Vaughan said.

Michael's neighbors now have an opportunity to donate items to him and the others in his unit. The collection started last week and continues through the end of the month.

Among the items requested are AA and AAA batteries, QTips, crossword puzzles, travelsized board games, canned goods, unscented baby wipes, white athletic socks, DVDs, CDs, handheld games, bottled sports drinks, candy and snacks. The soldiers also appreciate letters of support.

"There's nothing like getting something from home," said Jennifer Kidd. "It just makes you feel so good, so cared for and so prayed for when you get a package from home."

For more information, call (805) 306-9202.