Keep the Drive Alive: Kevin's Kids Christmas Gift Drive Underway In Manchester

(PHOTO: Volunteers assemble items and wrap gifts at at the end of the 2013 Kevin’s Kids Drive in Manchester. This year more than 400 children and their families will be helped. Credit: Kevin’s Kids Drive Facebook page)

Some thirty-two years ago, a first-grade teacher unknowingly started a Christmas tradition in the Manchester Township School District. Realizing the excitement of her students only days before Christmas, the teacher asked her class, “What is Santa Claus going to bring you on Christmas Eve?”

Unfortunately one child broke the teacher’s heart with his response of “Santa Claus never comes to my house.”

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. Now many years later, that handful of families has grown to a list that organizers anticipate will include some 400 children and their families this year.

The Manchester Township School District’s 2014 Kevin’s Kids Drive is now underway, carrying on a tradition named for founder Kevin Burger (now retired). Alex George, director of student and administrative services, is the coordinator for the 2014 Kevin’s Kids Drive.

“The goal of the Kevin’s Kids Drive is to not only provide toys but also much needed necessities such as clothing and food. Through the generosity of the Manchester School District community, this Christmas Drive enables Santa to visit the home of each of our children,” George said. Teachers and staff volunteers identify children in need, contact parents, and develop the wish lists of each child.

“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, as well as the chance for a better New Year,” George said. “ It offers these children the chance to believe that good things can happen to them.”

“We are counting on the Manchester community to come through once again for Kevin’s Kids and we ask for any contribution that you can make to our drive. Each donation goes directly to buy food, new toys and clothing for every child identified on our list. We also accept donations of new toys and clothing. Don’t worry about the child’s age, size or sex, we will always find a home for your donation. It is through your help and generosity that we can achieve our goal to make sure that Santa Claus visits every home.”

HOW TO DONATE
Checks should be made out to Manchester Township Middle School with “Kevin’s Kids” written in the memo section.

Please drop donations off at any Manchester school office or mail to: Kevin’s Kids, c/o Manchester Twp. Middle School, 2759 Ridgeway Rd., Manchester, NJ 08759. The deadline is Friday, Dec. 12.

Follow Kevin’s Kids at www.facebook.com/kevinskidsdrive for updates about fundraising events or visit their webpage at www.manchestertwp.org/kevinskids.