Young Journalists on a Philanthropic Mission

Santa Barbara Kids Magazine, the only local youth-led publication of its kind, releases its second issue this week. With a circulation of 10,000 copies, the free magazine can be found in newsstands, local retailers, and family attractions throughout Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara Kids Magazine is an advertising-based publication that donates one hundred percent (100%) of all profits to local charitable organizations.

SBKM targets kids 15 years old and younger and features stories, puzzles, jokes and games written by local kids. The young founders of this magazine selected Direct Relief International, Heal the Ocean, and Storyteller Children’s Center as the recipients of the approximately $6,200 profit they made. “I’d like to thank our supportive local advertisers for believing in us and believing that kids really can make a difference in our community,” says Katy Villanueva, seventeen-year-old Publisher/Editor. Dean Noble, Director of Marketing at Santa Barbara Zoo remarks, “We’re honored to support Santa Barbara Kids Magazine. It is a great way for the Santa Barbara Zoo to reach kids and families and we are proud to support this fantastic project that gives back to our community.”

The current issue focuses on local kids as “changemakers” in our community and our world. Highlights include defenders of the environment, Max DeGruy (17) and the Heal the Ocean Junior Council, messengers of truth, Santa Barbara Middle School Teen Press (a group of teen journalists covering local and global newsworthy people and events), and deliverers of global health, Youth for Direct Relief. The message is simple says Katy. “Any kid can be a changemaker, so don’t be afraid to take your idea and run with it!”

The future of SBKM is bright. With plans to increase publication to a bi-annual cycle, and to move the magazine online (www.sbkidsmagazine.org), these young journalists-turned-entrepreneurs are hoping to reach more young people, highlight more local youth heroes, and raise money and awareness for our community. For more information please contact: Katy Villanueva, Publisher (age 17), Skyler Matthews, Director of Sales (age 15), Sumner Matthews, Photographer (age 13) or Logan Carmody, Director of Technology (age 15) at sbkidsmag@yahoo.com.