Kevin's Kids

There is a pretty decent chance you have heard about Kevin’s Kids which was founded and is run by Kevin Burger, an administrator in the Manchester Township School District. It’s the most extraordinary example of the goodness that can come during the holiday season and brings together what’s now hundreds of volunteers united in their desire to make the Christmas season a bit brighter for those less fortunate.

It all started 27 years ago when a teacher told Burger what one of her first grade students said when asked what gifts he had received for Christmas.
“Santa doesn’t come to our house” was the youngsters reply and from that story Kevin’s Kids was born. Burger and his wife Peggy may be the architects but they have plenty of support both inside and outside the Manchester School District. It begins months in advance when they identify those in need of help during the holiday season. Over the years getting names has not been a problem but the real challenge is to fill the wish list of families, some of whom are asking for basic needs like winter coats in addition to games, toys, bicycles and more for their children. Fundraising takes place throughout the fall and is made up of everything from school events, promotional nights at restaurants, direct donations and more. Then came the very organized chaos of this weekend with began with a shopping spree on Saturday morning to Toys R Us and Target. School busses filled with volunteers armed with shopping lists flocked to the stores and hours later those items were taken to the Manchester Middle School where squares were marked on the gym floor with the names of the families to be helped. Sunday a crew would arrive to do all the wrapping and what a sight to see…about 200 volunteers wrapping presents for those they don’t even know. What has always struck me is the volunteers come from all walks of life. Many of course are teachers and staff plus their families from the school district but there are so many others from the Wall High School Ice Hockey team to local senior citizens, from residents Pat and Lori Barry to Kim Peto, who started helping when she played basketball at Toms River North and is now a teacher and coach herself.

Last night after all the volunteers had left the parents who benefit from this outpouring of generosity arrived to collect all the goodies which they will put under Christmas trees so their children don’t have to say “Santa doesn’t come to my house.” The final numbers from this year’s effort…Kevin’s Kids assisted a record 385 families by collecting $43,000 to shop plus throw in another $20,000 in donated items. All of those who helped in some way truly know that it is better to give than receive.