Beverly Bootstraps provides year-round services to local children and families in need. Our Youth & Family programs focus on connecting families with the tools they need to achieve self-sufficiency. We provide children with increased access to food when not in school, school supplies to start off the academic year, opportunities for summer camp and a holiday gift program for families.
Youth & Family
Winter Wishes Holiday Gifts (Formerly Adopt-a-Family)
Thanks to the generosity of our community, our 2022 program is full! If you would like to be involved in 2023, please use this interest form link and you will be added to the list for next year.
Many families in our community are not able to purchase presents for their children. Through Winter Wishes Holiday Gifts, donors can provide these children with new clothes, games, and toys. Donors will have the unique opportunity to select a family for which they can purchase holiday gifts. Each family in need will have completed a wish list for donors to shop with. After all, the holidays are all about giving!
In mid-October each year, donors who have previously supported this program, as well as those who have requested to be on the mailing (see the button below to request to be added to the mailing), will be sent a link to the family profiles. Donors will be able to choose which families they would like to sponsor during the holiday season. When a donor finds the family or families that touch their heart, they can select them and easily print their wish lists.
Donors then bring the gifts, unwrapped, to our offices the week after Thanksgiving.
Before selecting a family, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. Click here to view our FAQ’s >>
Need help providing holiday gifts for your children, click here >>
Back-to-School Backpacks
When kids head back to school each fall, many families need help providing their children with backpacks and school supplies. For over 20 years, the Back-to-School Backpack program has been helping local children be prepared for academic success and lessen the financial burden on families. In 2022, Beverly Bootstraps distributed over 750 fully stocked backpacks!
Are you or your group is interested in helping with the 2023 Back-to-School Collection drive? Please use this link to fill out the form, and you will be added to our list. We will contact you in early spring with participation details.
Kids Eat Healthy Initiative
No kid should go hungry or worry about where their next meal is coming from. As of March 2021, 20.6% of children in Essex County, are food insecure and are faced with these challenges every day. Through the Kids Eat Healthy initiative, we are committed to supporting local children in need of food.
Summer Camp
Summer Camp is an enriching experience that every child should be able to enjoy. Through the generosity of local donors, each year we are able to provide at-risk children access to a camp experience. Camp slots are provided for free or at greatly reduced prices.
Priority is given to families that have utilized other services offered by Beverly Bootstraps and can prove financial need.
“If it wasn’t for you, my kids wouldn’t have a holiday. But because of you, I can now see a smile on their faces.”
– Janelle, single mom of two young boys