Knights Of Columbus Donates $1300 To Kevin's Kids Toy Drive

MANCHESTER, NJ — The St. John’s Knights of Columbus Council are in the holiday spirit. On Thursday, the group donated $1300 to Kevin’s Kids, the Manchester School District’s holiday toy and clothing drive that grants the specific holiday wishes of district children in need.

Chancellor Al Ruth, Grand Knight Frank Gulinello, and Trustee John Corona presented a large check to Alex George, director of student and administrative services and Kevin’s Kids coordinator.

Each holiday season since 1983, Manchester schools have started a drive to try to grant all the holiday wishes of students in need. The drive began in 1983, after a fifth grader told his teacher that “Santa Claus never comes to my house.” Heartbroken, the teacher tried to raise money to bring that student, and many like him, the toys, clothing, and food to which all children look forward. Each year, teachers contact parents of identified children, and help develop a wish list.

"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," coordinator Alex George said in an online statement.

“This Holiday Drive enables Santa to visit the home of each of these disadvantaged children, bringing not just gifts but joy,” George continued. “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.”

The deadline for monetary donations is Friday, Dec. 10. The deadline for toy dropoff is Thursday, Dec. 9. Toys can be dropped off at any Manchester or at any of the following locations:

• Crossroads Realty-Route 530, Whiting
• Crossroads Realty-Route 70, Manchester
• Heritage Restaurant
• IMPAC
• Jimmy C's Barber Shop
• Ocean County Library, Manchester Branch, Colonial Drive
• Ocean County Library, Whiting Reading Room
• Ocean First Bank - Whiting
• Oliverie Funeral Home
• Quick Chek Manchester
• Silverwoods Community
• Whiting Station Clubhouse

For more information contact Alex George at ageorge@mtschools.org or 732-350-5900 or visit the Manchester Schools' Kevin's Kids Drive webpage.