SEATTLE - Kids can donate to the Afghan fund for children and, in return for their kindness, will receive free admission to Woodland Park Zoo. Beginning this weekend, October 20, and continuing daily through October 31, all children 12 and under will receive free zoo admission when they donate $1 to the fund at the zoo.

"For more than a hundred years, the zoo has played a special role in the lives of our community," notes Zoo Director Mike Waller. "Particularly during stressful times like these, families and individuals seek refuge in parks and zoos to connect with nature, enjoy open space and wildlife, and find serenity and comfort."

In doing so, "we are reminded about the plight of the children in Afghanistan," adds Waller. In response to President Bush's call to action to children across America, the zoo is inviting children to donate a dollar to aid the more than 10 million Afghan children suffering from years of civil war and drought, and now from the Taliban regime. All donations made by the young visitors to the zoo will be sent directly to "America's Fund for Afghan Children." Kids can make their dollar contribution at the zoo's gates.

Woodland Park Zoo's winter hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Zoo-goers may enter the zoo through the South Gate at N. 50th St. & Fremont Ave. N. or the West Gate at N. 55th St. & Phinney Ave. N. Zoo admission ranges from free for toddlers to $9.50 for adults. King County residents receive an admission discount.

For more information, call 206.684.4800 or 684.4026 (TDD).