Stuff for Kids

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OVERVIEW

Stuff for Kids is dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless and highly mobile students in Minneapolis. The program was developed as an outgrowth of NCJW’s Stuff for School program, and created in partnership with the Minneapolis Public Schools.

Our goal is to collect and deliver needed items, such as backpacks, school supplies, reading books, mittens, personal hygiene products and other personal belongings. The filled packs are distributed by school social workers to K-6 students who are enrolled in an after-school enrichment program at three schools.

We also created a unique component to help teens and others help homeless youth. Our new 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.

NEW! STUFF FOR KIDS CENTERPIECES AVAILABLE FOR RENTAL We have several new colorful centerpieces to rent and display at your Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations! There are five options (rental fees range from $5 - $30 per centerpiece), and 100 percent of proceeds go to support the Stuff for Kids and Stuff for School programs. For more information, view the centerpiece rental information sheet.

ABOUT THE NEED

  • The Minneapolis Public School District estimates there are approximately 5,500 homeless and highly mobile students currently in the district.
  • Of these, there are about 1,200 children looking for a place to stay on any one day and that number is rising (17% YTD).
  • There are homeless youth at every school. Three schools have been selected to participate in a program to provide after-school programming twice a week, delivering homework help and enrichment for 100 students. Grants from federal, state and non-profit sources address, but do not fully meet growing needs.
  • Homelessness impedes school success for children. School is critically important because it provides homeless students with a stable place to acquire the necessary skills to help them escape poverty.

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!