Stuff for Kids is dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless and highly-mobile (HHM) students in Minneapolis public schools. The program was developed as an outgrowth of NCJW’s Stuff for School program, and created in partnership with the Minneapolis Public Schools. In addition to many individuals and families in our community, the program is generously supported by the Phillips Family Foundation and the Blythe Brenden Fund of the Ted & Dr. Roberta Mann Foundation.

Our goal is to collect and deliver needed items, such as backpacks, homework supplies, reading books, gloves, and school uniform shirts. These supplies are distributed by school social workers to K-8 students identified at any time during the year as being homeless or highly mobile. Additionally, Stuff for Kids donates over 6000 healthy snacks to HHM children who participate in after school programs.

ABOUT THE NEED:

• The Minneapolis Public School District estimates there are approximately 5,000 homeless and highly-mobile students currently in the district.
• Of these, there are pproximately 1,200 children looking for a place to sleep on any given night and that number is rising (18% YTD).
• There are homeless children at every school in the Minneapolis district. Three schools have been selected to participate in a program to provide after-school programming twice a week, delivering homework help and enrichment for nearly 900 students. Grants from federal, state and non-profit sources address, but do not fully meet growing needs.
• Homelessness has a significant impact on school success. Schools are working hard to provide environments and opportunities that foster continued academic growth during this period in their lives.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

DONATE: Provide homeless and highly-mobile students in Minneapolis with essential items for day to day life at school and beyond, including backpacks, snacks, warm gloves, and more. Click here to donate.

LEARN: Request a Stuff for Kids Toolkit that enables teens, who seek community service hours for school/church/synagogue projects, to learn about the issue of homelessness and to take action in addressing specific needs of homeless youth. To request a ToolKit, please contact the NCJW office.

SUPPORT: Rent colorful centerpieces for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah or Graduation celebrations, and proceeds will support Stuff for Kids and Stuff for School. For more information, view the centerpiece rental information sheet.

This community service project is made possible through the generosity of The Phillips Foundation, Kim & Cliff Greene, Morey’s Seafood International, the Elliot and Eloise Kaplan Family, along with the support of many individual NJCW members and donors. Many thanks!