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Helping Kids Succeed

Truly, Bridge to Success is a critical program, ensuring stop-gap support to families who otherwise would fall through the cracks left by our social support network.
Washington, DC Public Charter Schools

Wow! Thank you so much for getting Michael new glasses! He has been without glasses since June, and it has been difficult for him to read what was written on the blackboard which hindered his ability to fully participate in class. He is so excited to be able to see again! "Wow Look!" I can see all the signs!" Michael exclaimed as we drove back to school. He called out every store, food chain and landmark from Laurel to Landover. Many Thanks!
Prince Georges County Public Schools

The students at the elementary school were so surprised to receive the new jeans from Neediest Kids. The girls' faces lit up with excitement when they found out that the jeans were a donation and that they could have two pairs each. They were appreciative and thankful for the donation.
Washington, DC Public Schools

A few flakes can't stop Neediest Kids ....

DECADENT DELIGHTS WILL STILL BE HELD FROM 4 TO 6 TODAY, SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, AT THE CARNEGIE INSTITUTE OF WASHINGTON. WE'RE SOLD OUT, BUT IF YOU HAVE ALREADY PURCHASED TICKETS, COME JOIN US FOR AN AFTERNOON OF DECADENT DELIGHTS.

Who We Are and What We Do

Neediest Kids provides thousands of low-income students across the DC Metro area with the basic essentials they need to get the education they deserve. During the 2010-2011 school year, Neediest Kids helped more than 21,000 children.

In partnership with ten different school districts, Neediest Kids offers a bridge to success by providing:

Eye Exams and Eye Glasses
New Clothes, Coats, and School Uniforms
School Supplies
Personal Care Items
Food
Transportation
School Fees
Other Necessities

Neediest Kids Meets Urgent Needs

Thirty-seven percent of all DC Metro area students qualify for a free or reduced price meal, an indicator of poverty. Education is the key to breaking the often intractable cycle of poverty. A public education can total $12,000 a year, a cost that is borne by the entire community because we understand how crucial it is to educate our children. How tragic would it be to waste those dollars, all for a lack of a pair of eyeglasses, scientific calculator, or winter coat? Imagine the long-term effect on the student, his family, our entire society, even, if the child lacks the basic essentials he needs to stay in school and then succeed in school. But imagine the outcome if that child does receive the basic necessities he needs. The child absorbs knowledge and thrives, his family is uplifted by the child’s success, and our community is enriched and improved. When that child is an adult, because he has obtained a stellar education, the chances are far greater that now the next generation will not need Neediest Kids’ help. All from a small but indispensable investment in a new pair of shoes or shampoo and soap. Neediest Kids, with the support of our generous donors, meets a real need with immediate help that provides a lasting impact.

How It Works

A school professional notices that a student is squinting to read the whiteboard, stays in at recess because she has no coat, has stopped coming to school due to a lack of toiletries, or has another pressing need. That school professional, working with the Neediest Kids Coordinator in each school district, enters a few bits of information into our award-winning computer portal. Then, either the family receives a purchase order to buy the needed goods or the products are delivered right to the student at school. It’s easy, efficient, and fast.

Our Retail Partners

To stretch our dollars as far as possible and to provide the best possible customer service, we work with the following retail partners:

Safeway
Staples
Hour Eyes
Target
Risse Brothers
The UPS Store
Payless ShoeSource
Burlington Coat Factory

Contact Information

info@neediestkids.org 703-377-0648