Manchester Schools' Kevin's Kids Christmas Gift Drive Underway

MANCHESTER, NJ — It's never too early to start thinking about Christmas when it comes to helping children have a happy holiday, and the Kevin's Kids Drive is hoping Manchester folks will jump in to help.

The annual gift drive that has become a Christmas tradition in Manchester began 35 years ago when a first-grade teacher was told by a student "Santa Clause never comes to my house," when she asked her class what Santa was bringing them for Christmas.

Saddened by the boy's story, the school staff started a drive to help the boy and his family as well as a handful of other needy children. The Kevin's Kids Drive now assists more than 400 children and their families.

The goal of the annual Kevin's Kids Drive is to provide not only toys but also much needed necessities such as clothing and food, organizers said.

"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 and 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 said. "Teachers contact parents of the identified children and develop the wish list of each child. During this process, staff discover that for so many of these children it is the very first new pair of sneakers or that first brand new outfit for school or a bicycle that will be their own, instead of one that someone else discarded."

The drive enables Santa to visit the home of each of these disadvantaged children, bringing not just gifts but joy, George said.

"The children and families that we help struggle every other day of the year and we want them to have at least one special day full of surprise and delight," he said. "It offers these children the chance to believe that good things can happen to them."

The drive seeks donations from anyone able to help, from individuals to businesses and community groups. Every donation goes directly to buy food, new toys and clothing for every child on the list, George said.

To donate, make checks payable to Manchester Township Middle School with "Kevin's Kids" written in the memo section and mail to Kevin's Kids, c/o Manchester Twp. Middle School, 2759 Ridgeway Rd., Manchester, NJ 08759.

Donations of new toys and clothing are also accepted at any Manchester school. For more information visit the Kevin's Kids page on the school district's website by clicking here.

Photo provided by Manchester Township Schools