Manchester volunteers once again are out in full force this weekend to support the Manchester Township School District (MTSD) and ensure that no MTSD child goes without a Christmas this year.
Now in its 43rd year, the district’s Kevin’s Kids initiative continues its mission of helping every MTSD family in need have their holiday wish lists fulfilled. Unlike traditional gift drives, Kevin’s Kids does not collect general donations. Instead, community members, staff, and local organizations come together to confidentially shop for the specific wish lists submitted by MTSD families requesting support during the holiday season. This year, volunteers rallied to fulfill yet another record number of requests.
Head "Elf" Alex George and Assistant Head "Elf" Jessica Brosnan, together with
Kevin & Peg Burger, of Kevin's Kids
Early this morning, Kevin’s Kids volunteers gathered at Target in Brick, NJ, where the store once again opened early exclusively for this effort. Volunteers received confidential wish lists and set out to shop for every child. Because Kevin’s Kids is committed to fulfilling each child’s exact wishes, monetary donations and gift cards are used to purchase any gifts that have not already been donated, ensuring no child goes without. Then tomorrow, hundreds of school staff and community volunteers will wrap the gifts with care in preparation for delivery to each family.
The success of Kevin’s Kids is the result of months of preparation and remarkable coordination. The process includes gathering student wish lists, working with families, organizing volunteers to sort donations and track each list, and ensuring every gift is accounted for. MTSD’s maintenance and custodial crews also volunteer their time to assemble bikes and larger toys. Today, bus drivers volunteer to bring bus and truck loads of gifts back to the Kevin's Kids North Pole for wrapping tomorrow!
Thanks to generous fundraising, donations, community partnerships, and the countless hours put forth by volunteers, over 300 Manchester children are expected to enjoy a magical Christmas this year.
Kevin’s Kids continues to embody the best of Manchester: kindness, compassion, and community. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the 43rd annual Kevin’s Kids another extraordinary success for our MTSD families.
