The Manchester Township School District’s Kevin’s Kids initiative is in its 41st year of helping every family in need have their holiday gift list fulfilled. This gift drive does not collect generic gifts for giving but brings the community together to fundraise and shop confidentially from specific gift wish lists submitted by Manchester families who ask Kevin’s Kids for support during the holiday season. This month kicks off the 41st season of the Manchester School’s Kevin’s Kids initiative and Manchester is busy mobilizing to fulfill another record number of gift wish list requests.
(Photo provided by Girl Scout Troop 126)
Everyone in the school district and surrounding community plays a role in Kevin’s Kids. Generous gifts and monetary donations are filling up the school district's "North Pole" in anticipation of the holiday! This week, the Brownies from Girl Scout Troop 126 decided to take the money they raised from their Girl Scout fundraisers and went shopping at the Toys R' Us located in the Macy's department store at the Ocean County Mall. Instead of using the money for their troop or another cause, they decided to purchase wish list items for Kevin's Kids. Thank you for your kindness and generosity!
(Photo provided by Girl Scout Troop 126)
Community members interested in supporting Kevin’s Kids can do so through gift cards and monetary donations placed in the boxes at the below listed local businesses. We are also in need of wrapping paper donations which can be dropped off to Alex George at Kevin’s Kids “North Pole” located at Manchester Township Middle School, 2759 Ridgeway Rd., Manchester. Please drop any donations by Friday, December 8, 2023.
Kevin’s Kids started 41 years ago when a first-grade teacher at Whiting Elementary School shared with Kevin Burger, the school’s principal at the time, about a student who informed him that Santa did not come to his house that year. Kevin and the teacher learned of the child’s holiday wish list and, together with their colleagues, made Christmas happen for that student. From there Kevin’s Kids was formed and has expanded tremendously. Last year, under the leadership of Director of Student Personnel Services Alex George, and alongside Kevin Burger, the school district helped approximately 400 children to have a holiday.