Kevin's Kids Toy Drive Underway In Manchester

Some 33 years ago a first-grade teacher unknowingly started a Christmas tradition in Manchester Township. 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 school officials anticipate will include some 400 children and their families.

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. Teachers contact parents of the identified children and develop the wish lists. The goal of the annual Kevin’s Kids Christmas Drive is to not only provide toys but include much needed necessities such as clothing and food.

“We ask for any contribution that you can make to our drive,” organizer Alex George said. “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, because 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.”

Donations may be dropped off at any Manchester public school or mailed to:
Kevin’s Kids
c/o Manchester Twp. Middle School
2759 Ridgeway Rd.
Manchester, NJ 08759

Checks can be made out to ‘Manchester Township Middle School’ with ‘Kevin’s Kids’ written in the memo section. This year’s deadline is Dec. 11.

For information, including additional drop-off sites, visit www.manchestertwp.org/kevinskids.