I am an accessory designer in Chicago, Illinois. My children Gabriella and Michele(Michael) have been educated in a very progressive school. They are 12 and 14 respectively. They have expressed their own worries about the enviroment, the war, AIDS and Africa and the economy to name a few. In the age of the internet and mass media their father and I have been challenged to help them come to terms with their world and the issues that face them and the world they will live in the future. We have often spoken about what they can do to to feel empowered as if they are actively participating in helping in some way to make a difference in the lives of others. We came up with a solution. We have created a childrens handbag/fannypack...the strap and peace medallion are removable and may also be used to wear as a necklace or belt. Peace is written in fifteen languages on the strap. The bag itself is in camoflage material. Pink (AIDS) Yellow (WAR) Green (Enviroment)

Initially they have chosen three areas of concern. The first organization they retained is Lacor. Its an orphanage/ teaching hospital in Uganda, Africa. Their cousins, who are doctors in Italy, built it and run it. It's thriving beautifully. They specialize in infectious disease and pediatrics. Dr. Donato Greco and Dr. Luigi Greco are on many medical boards in Europe and renowned for their contributions in medicine.

Our second charity is the Fallen Heroes Intrepid Fund. My children are concerned about the families who have lost a loved one in the war.The organization is now focusing on rehabilitating soldiers when they come home. We all agreed that would be a great cause to participate in. We all want the war to end and our soldiers to come home safe and whole.

The third charity is our green charity. We will be gifting money to the National Resources Defense Council. We all believe this is a wonderful organization that focuses on so many challenges our world is facing today.

We are pleased to announce a new addition to our chairities. The Delilah B. fund in honor of the JDRF and Delilah B. This will be a wonderful partner in our effort to make the world a better place for our children.

It would be wonderful to raise money for these charities and raise awareness among our children about important issues that may affect them or the lives of others.

Kindest regards and Peace,

Mary Kay de Maio, Michele John (MJ) de Maio and Gabriella (LaLa)de Maio

Ruf N Tuf, LTD.