Kevin's Kids Founder Thanks Volunteers for Successful Holiday Drive

With this year's Kevin's Kids holiday drive completed, its founder has written a letter thanking all those who got involved by donating gifts and time.

Though the presents are now unwrapped by eager children, Kevin Burger, director of Student and Administrative Services for Manchester Schools, said that he had "one more very important job to complete."

"That job is to thank our wonderful community for their generosity, help and friendship again this year," he writes in the open letter posted to the school district website. 

Burger founded the drive nearly 30 years ago and has helped provide local families with everything from essentials such as new clothing and food to more fun items such as bikes.

"Thank you again for all that you gave this year. Thank you for being part of a truly special community," he writes. "I am proud of a community that helps friends, neighbors and even strangers in need."

Burger said at a recent meeting that more than 250 district staff members were on hand from 6:30 a.m. until late in the afternoon on the day of the final drop-off on Dec. 10, and returned the next day to help wrap the  

Burger said that for the first time in the history of Kevin's Kids, every parent who requested a winter coat or a bicycle for their child received those items.

In the letter, Burger writes that Manchester families in need will have a holiday season full of gifts.

"Because of you, our children will all be dressed in new clothing that includes a warm winter coat," he writes. "Most importantly, all moms and dads will see their children experience the joy of Christmas morning rather than saying 'maybe next Christmas.'"

Burger and other volunteers  for about 400 local families in need since last year and held several fundraisers in conjunction with local businesses and organizations in preparation of this year's drive.

Though a holiday drive, Kevin's Kids volunteers begin their fundraising efforts nearly a year in advance. More information is available on the school district's Kevin's Kids website.