Fresh Start Back to School Program
For the last 14 years, Children’s Aid, Inc. has been working to support our Calvert County neighbors in need; our biggest program being the Fresh Start Back to School Program (formerly Operation Backpack). Often, children who do not have the proper school supplies are too ashamed to admit it and end up falling behind. Students cannot do their best if they do not have the right tools. Our goal is to highlight the importance of education and help students approach the beginning of the school year with a greater sense of confidence and hope. The Fresh Start Back to School Program provides registered Calvert County children with a new backpack filled with grade-specific school supplies, and an opportunity to choose a new book and personal hygiene items. To date, over 2,100 students have benefitted from Operation Backpack or the Fresh Start Program.
Memorial Scholarship Program
The Memorial Scholarship Program grants a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior pursuing a degree in Education and a $500 scholarship to a graduating senior pursuing post-secondary education, vocational or technical training which results in the applicant being awarded accredited vocational certification or an Associate’s Degree. Applicants must be Calvert County residents and be graduating from a Calvert County Public High School.
Great Book Giveaway
To help promote childhood literacy, we hold the Great Book Giveaway every March in connection with National Reading Month. The Great Book Giveaways feature storytime, refreshments, fun photo props, and as the name implies, free books for children in attendance. We also remind the parents of the importance of reading aloud to their younger children.
Christmas Cheer Program
For families already under enormous emotional and financial pressure, not being able to buy Christmas presents for their children can push them to the breaking point. Through grant awards, fundraising, and donations from individuals and local businesses, each registered* child receives a filled Christmas “stocking” bag and a new book. To date, over 650 children have participated in the Christmas Cheer Program. *Christmas Cheer Program participants are referred by other holiday-related charities such as Toys for Tots and Calvert County Shop With a Cop.