VALPARAISO | Kindergartners at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School received a gift from local attorney Kenneth J. Allen on Friday morning.

Allen and his wife, Nina, donated money to United Way of Porter County so that all kindergartners in Lake, LaPorte and Porter counties would be equipped with child ID kits.

The goal is to equip parents with a record containing their child's DNA, fingerprints, photos so that they can provide this data immediately to the authorities in case a child turns up missing.

Melissa Castle-Kirincic, resource development director with United way of Porter County, handed out the kits to the children.

"From Ken and Nina's very generous gift to United Way, we've dispersed more than 18,000 child ID kits, thus far, to elementary schools throughout Lake, LaPorte and Porter counties," Castle-Kirincic said.

Allen spoke to the kindergartners in Elaina Spratley's class.

"You kids are all very special," Allen said. "It is important that you talk to mom and dad about safety, and it is important to know about strangers. Always stay by people you know."

Allen said credit for the donation goes to his wife.

"This was my wife's idea," Allen said. "We want kids to take these kits home and have a discussion with their parents about safety and strangers."