Kevin's Kids Kicks Off Annual Manchester Christmas Drive

MANCHESTER, NJ — The Manchester Township School District has launched its annual Kevin's Kids Christmas gift drive for 2020.

The Christmas tradition in the Manchester community, which is closing in on 40 years of bringing joy to the needy children in the township, is starting its quest to collect donations of toys and coats and gift cards and food to help provide 300 children and their families the gifts and food for a happy holiday.

The annual drive was sparked 38 years ago when a first-grade teacher had a young boy tell her,"Santa Claus never comes to my house." The school staff took up a collection to help the boy and other children, and a tradition was born.

"The goal of the annual Kevin’s Kids Drive is to not only provide toys but include much needed necessities such as clothing and food," said Alex George, the Manchester Schools' director of student and administrative services. "Yes, this is a Christmas Drive, but hopefully the necessities provided will help parents in these difficult times throughout the year."

The drive annually is supported by the school district, Manchester police, the senior communities and businesses.

"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."

Contributions of any kind, including new toys and new clothing, are welcomed, and monetary donations go directly to buy food, new toys and clothing for every child identified as in need of help.

"Don’t worry about the child's age, size or sex, we will always find a home for your donation," he said.

Those who wish to contribute can send items to Manchester Township Middle School. Checks should be made payable to "Manchester Township Middle School," with "Kevin's Kids" written in the memo field. Do not send cash.

Mail items to:

Kevin's Kids
Manchester Twp. Middle School
2759 Ridgeway Road
Manchester, NJ 08759

Donations of food, clothing and toys can be dropped off at the middle school.

The deadline for all donations is Dec. 4. Questions can be directed to George at ageorge@mtschools.org or by calling 732-350-5900.

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