MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT KICKS OFF YEAR 43 OF KEVIN’S KIDS SECRET SANTA INITIATIVE
The district continues its proud tradition of helping MTSD families in need, one wish list at a time!
(MANCHESTER, NJ) — The Manchester Township School District proudly begins the 43rd year of its beloved Kevin’s Kids Secret Santa Initiative, a community-driven effort to ensure every Manchester family in need has their holiday wish list fulfilled.
Unlike traditional toy drives, Kevin’s Kids connects directly with families to fulfill specific wish lists, one household at a time, through the generosity of students, staff, families, local businesses, and community members. This deeply personal approach ensures that every gift given truly meets a child’s or family’s needs and wishes.
“This initiative embodies what makes Manchester such a special place,” said Alex George, Director of Student Personnel Services. “Every year, I am amazed by how our schools and community come together to lift one another up. Kevin’s Kids is proof that Manchester isn’t just a school district. We are a family.”
Over the years, Kevin’s Kids has made a life-changing impact. Some children have received items that opened doors to their futures, from the student who got their first computer and later attended MIT, to another who received driving lessons to gain independence. Others have asked for practical items like work boots or bicycles to get to after-school jobs. And every year, each child receives a warm winter coat, a simple but powerful symbol of care and community.
Behind the scenes, hundreds of volunteers make it all happen. Bus drivers donate their time to transport gifts. Building and Grounds employees assemble toys and bicycles. Senior communities, local businesses, and township departments host donation boxes and collection drives. In the final days before distribution, staff members and their families gather to wrap and prepare every gift with care before they’re anonymously delivered to families.
Community members can support Kevin’s Kids through gift card or monetary donations placed in the collection boxes located at participating local businesses listed below. Donations of wrapping paper are also greatly appreciated and can be dropped off to Alex George at the Manchester Kevin’s Kids “North Pole”, located at Manchester Township Middle School, 2759 Ridgeway Road. All donations are requested by Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
Kevin’s Kids began 43 years ago when a Whiting Elementary School teacher shared with then-principal Kevin Burger that a student said Santa hadn’t come to his home that year. Together, they and their colleagues made Christmas happen for that child, and a lasting tradition was born. Under the continued leadership of Alex George and the enduring support of Kevin Burger, Kevin’s Kids has grown into a districtwide effort that now helps over 400 children and 200 Manchester families, each holiday season.
For more information about Kevin’s Kids, please contact Dina Silvestri at dsilvestri@mtschools.org.
Manchester Businesses Hosting Kevin’s Kids Donation Boxes:
Atlantic Physical Therapy Manchester
Crossroads-Manchester (2002 Rt 70)
Crossroads- Whiting (Rt 530 Whiting)
Dollar General Whiting (across from the firehouse)
Heritage Restaurant
IMPAC
Jimmy C's Barber Shop
Manchester Library*
Ocean First Bank - Whiting
Oliverie Funeral Home
Quick Chek-Manchester
Shoprite of Manchester
Silverwoods Adult Community
Whiting Library
Whiting Station Club House
Whiting Stop & Shop
Leisure Ridge
LESTER GLENN SUBARU of Toms River
Manchester Pines
Kohesion Dance Center
Evermore Dream Center (The Barn)