Kevin's Kids Christmas Drive Underway In Manchester

MANCHESTER, NJ — "What is Santa Claus going to bring you on Christmas Eve?"

For hundreds of needy Manchester Township children, that question has been answered with gifts given from the heart thanks to the generosity of residents all over the township for more than 30 years through the Kevin's Kids Drive.

The Christmas tradition that started with a Manchester first-grade teacher who wanted to help a needy student and his family has expanded to help some 300 children and their families each year.

The goal of the annual Kevin's Kids Drive is to provide not only toys but much-needed necessities, 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, the Manchester Schools' director of student and administrative services, who chairs 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 allows "Santa" to visit the home of these children in need, "bringing not just gifts, but joy."

"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," George said. "It offers these children the chance to believe that good things can happen to them."

The drive seeks donations from individuals, businesses and community groups that are used to buy food, new toys and clothing for every child on the list.

"Any contribution that you can make helps us carry out our pledge to make sure that Santa Claus visits every home in Manchester," he said. "It is through your help and generosity that we can achieve our goal."

Anyone wishing to donate can make checks payable to Manchester Township Middle School with "Kevin's Kids" written in the memo section and mail to: Kevin's Kids, Manchester Twp. Middle School, 2759 Ridgeway Rd., Manchester, NJ 08759.

Donations of new toys and clothing are also accepted at any Manchester school.

The deadline for donations is Friday, December 6.

For more information contact Alex George at ageorge@mtschools.org or 732-350-5900. Visit www.manchestertwp.org/kevinskids for updates and more information.

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