MANCHESTER – With your help, Santa Claus will be making stops at each and every kid’s house this year. Manchester’s annual Kevin’s Kids Toy Drive is in full swing once again.
It has been 37 years since this particular Christmas tradition began. It all started when a Manchester teacher asked her class: “What is Santa Claus going to bring you on Christmas Eve?” To her dismay, one student answered: “Santa Claus never comes to my house.”
In an effort to make sure that this boy, and other students, never had to experience a gift-less Christmas, the school staff pulled together to create the Kevin’s Kids Drive.
The Kevin’s Kids Drive continues today with a list of some 300 children and their families that need help this year. And Kevin’s Kids doesn’t just provide toys, but also supplies needy families with much needed items such as clothing and food.
“Yes this is a Christmas Drive, but hopefully the necessities provided will help parents in these difficult times throughout the year,” said Alex George, Director of Student and Administrative Services. George also serves as chairperson for the drive.
“Through the generosity of the Manchester School District, the Manchester Police, many local businesses, senior villages and the entire Manchester community, the Kevin’s Kids Christmas Drive hopes to grant the specific Wish List of each child,” George added.
To make sure that each child gets something on their wish list, Manchester teachers reach out to the parents of the identified children to develop a list for each child. During this annual process, George noted, the staff often realizes that many of these children are asking for their very first new pair of sneakers or a brand new outfit for school, as opposed to hand-me-downs.
“This Holiday Drive enables ‘Santa’ to visit the home of each of these disadvantaged children, bringing not just gifts but joy…It offers these children the chance to believe that good things can happen to them,” said George.
Manchester school officials are seeking contributions from the public, as well as from local businesses and community groups. Anything you can give to help Kevin’s Kids fulfill their pledge to these children will help.
“Each donation goes directly to buy food, new toys and clothing for every child identified on our list,” said George. “It is through your help and generosity that we can achieve our goal.”
For more information, visit manchestertwp.org/kevinskids.
How to Donate
Toy and clothing donations can be dropped off at any Manchester school.
Monetary donations can be made as well. Checks should be made payable to Manchester Township Middle School with “Kevin’s Kids” written in the memo section and mail to: Kevin’s Kids, Manchester Township Middle School, 2759 Ridgeway Rd., Manchester, NJ 08759.
The deadline for donations is Friday, December 6.
For more information contact Alex George at ageorge@mtschools.org or 732-350-5900.
