Help Underserved Kids Have a Fun Summer
Supply a Summer of Joy, Creativity, and Activity
Since 2017, KindWorks has helped create a summer of play, exploration, creativity, and activity for thousands of kids in the DC area by collecting and distributing enriching, creative, and recreational items.
Every year, we distribute Summer Fun Sacks for area youth. We are currently collecting donations. Here’s how to join the effort:
- Start a Collection DriveReach out to friends, neighbors, and other networks to solicit Summer Fun Stuff items. Set up a collection spot with large sturdy boxes or other containers at your home, office, or other site. Deliver your collection to the Rockville Jewish Community Center at 6125 Montrose Road or email Karen for other options.
- Donate Summer Fun Stuff Items or FundsContribute new small toys, books, STEM-related items, art supplies, and recreational equipment for kids of all ages and deliver them to the Rockville JCC. Online shoppers can take advantage of our Amazon wish list and have items delivered directly to us. Or support the project by donating funds to KindWorks and designating Summer Fun Stuff as the purpose of your contribution. Each $100 donation sponsors 3 kids Summer Fun Sacks!
- Prepare Donations for DistributionHelp sort and pack donated items on one of our designated packing days. (SSL Hours Available)
Questions? Email us to learn more.
Get In on the Fun
Sort and Pack Summer Fun Stuff Donations
May 2 @ 3:00 pm-5:30 pm
Sort and Pack Summer Fun Stuff Donations
May 15 @ 3:00 pm-5:30 pm
The Kids We Serve
In 2023, KindWorks distributed summer fun to Afghan youth in temporary and permanent housing in the DC area, as well as children served by these local community organizations:
- A Wider Circle—Washington Highland Dwellings Community
- FurnishHopeDC
- Identity Inc.
- Linkages to Learning
- Montgomery County Recreation—Long Branch Center
- Montgomery Village Middle School
- Platform of Hope
- Rainbow Community Development Center
- SAMU First Response Foundation
Stuff We Collect
Our Summer Fun Stuff project collects and distributes a variety of new recreational and educational items. Items should be gender neutral and culturally appropriate. Here are some ideas of what you can donate to make a kid’s summer more fun:
- Writing and journaling tools: composition notebooks, journals, pens, pencils, and colored pencils
- Craft kits and art supplies, such as Play-Doh, Silly Putty, construction paper, magic markers, dot markers, Sharpies, crayons, glue sticks, pipe cleaners, puzzle books, child scissors, and coloring books (for children and adults)
- Jump ropes, hula hoops, frisbees, balls of all sizes, soccer balls, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and similar outdoor fun items
- Card games, playing cards, small box of Legos, jack and balls
- Harmonicas
- Books, graphic novels, and comic books for preschool through 12th grade reading levels (in new or mint condition)
- Drawstring sport backpacks, reusable water bottles, sunscreen, and insect spray
- Hygiene kit items, including small size shampoo, body wash, lotion, hand sanitizer, deodorant, first aid supplies, sunscreen, and bug spray
- Healthy packaged snacks
Thank You to Our Corporate Donors
These companies have generously donated fun stuff to our program
Watch The Fun Come Together
In 2023, we delivered 2,000 Summer Fun Sacks. Here’s a wrap up!