The story of S. Taylor Barden is particularly poignant, as its message is one that the CIDI hopes many can learn from – and avoid the complications and delays experienced by the Barden family in their efforts to help Iraqi school children. The Barden family is to be commended for what they have learned and is willing to share with other generous donors across the United States.

Project Kyle's Schools – The Story
In late May, 2003, technically the war was over. First Lieutenant Kyle Barden and one thousand of his fellow soldiers found themselves in Iraq, charged with helping to rebuild the war-torn town of Laylan in northern Iraq, approximately 20 kilometers south of Kirkuk.

They worked in many areas, rebuilding the police force, helping to elect a town council, settling land disputes and other reconstruction work. It was Kyle Barden who saw a particular need for school supplies at the eleven schools in Laylan. He understood that one of the best ways to rebuild Iraq was to assure the education of the country's future—the children. They were desperate for such basic items as pencils, pens, chalk, crayons and paper.

In August, one telephone call to his brother, S. Taylor Barden, initiated Kyle's Schools Project. Taylor began with generous friends and relatives and quickly collected several hundred dollars. The project gained momentum when the local paper — The Charlotte Observer — ran an article on Project Kyle's Schools. A local news broadcast escalated donations and Taylor scrambled to form a nonprofit organization to handle the many letters and funds from generous Americans.

By the end of October, thirty five of the Barden relatives and Taylor had packed eleven pallets of supplies -- one for each of the schools in Laylan, Iraq, close to 7000 pounds of supplies, a formidable task.

It was a great idea, a great cause, Americans helping the children of the world, assisting our troops and our citizens to show that we care about the people of Iraq. What could go wrong?

Taylor had been in contact with the CIDI throughout the collection process. In one of his e-mails to the Center he wrote, "It sure does continue to add up. I really think it is becoming evident that the costs far outweigh the materials being sent. I would use every dime to ship a small amount of material in relation to the overall costs. I'm not giving up hope that I can get it shipped for free . . . It becomes more and more apparent why you discourage collecting physical supplies."

Project Kyle's Schools - The Speed Bump:
Taylor quickly learned that military planes carry troops and their supplies. There is no room for extras. Commercial carriers can't fly in danger zones. Shipping to the nearest peaceful country and trucking the supplies safely to the area is dangerous and expensive. For every $1.00 spent on supplies it will cost at least $3.00 to ship.

Project Kyle's Schools - Lessons Learned:
When Taylor was asked by the CIDI what he would like to share with others interested in providing assistance to Iraq, he replied, "With the tremendous feat of 3-1/2 tons of material collected and the 400 to 500 people directly involved in Kyle's Schools, there are better ways to help. I believe Kyle's Schools Project could have been both more efficient and effective by teaming up with established charitable organizations already working in the Middle East . . . They know exactly what supplies the children need in their school kits and they know how to make the best use of the donations to get what is really needed. Please do your research! Wanting to help and wanting to make a difference is the first step, the next is finding the best way to do it."