Kevin's Kids Drive Deadline Nears In Manchester

MANCHESTER, NJ — A first-grade teacher's effort to ensure every child has gifts from Santa is marking its 36th year in the Manchester Township schools, with collection efforts under way right now.

The Kevin's Kids Drive aims to provide not only toys but also much-needed necessities such as clothing and food. School officials anticipate some 400 children and their families will be helped through the drive in 2018.

"Yes this is a Christmas drive, but hopefully the necessities provided will help parents in these difficult times throughout the year," said Alex George, Manchester's director of student and administrative services, and chairperson for the drive.

Kevin's Kids started when a first-grade teacher asking her class, "What is Santa Claus going to bring you on Christmas Eve?" and learned one of her students had never had Christmas gifts when he said, "Santa Claus never comes to my house." Saddened by the boy's story, the school staff started the Kevin's Kids Drive to help the boy and his family as well as a handful of other needy children. T

"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."

Often the staff members learn the items on the wish list are the first time a child has received a new pair of sneakers or new outfit for school or a bicycle that will be their own, instead of a hand-me-down or one that was discarded.

"This holiday 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. It offers these children the chance to believe that good things can happen to them."

Anyone wishing to make a donation can drop off new toys and clothing at any Manchester school. Monetary donations also are accepted and will be used to help purchase food, new toys and clothing for every child identified on the list.

"It is through your help and generosity that we can achieve our goal," George said.

Make checks payable to Manchester Township Middle School, with "Kevin's Kids" written in the memo section.

Checks can be mailed to:
Kevin's Kids
Manchester Twp Middle School
2759 Ridgeway Road, Manchester, NJ 08759.

The deadline for donations is Friday, December 7.

Visit www.manchestertwp.org/kevinskids for updates and more information.

For more information contact Alex George at ageorge@mtschools.org or 732-350-5900.

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Photos by Lee Bruzaitis, Manchester Township School District