About Us

We Are The Trusted Nonprofit Company.

Kids’ Needs Greater Englewood, FL, Inc., is a  non-profit 501(3)(c) organization, run solely by volunteers.  We collect donations from Englewood, Rotonda, Boca Grande, and Placida and distribute them to needy families in our area.  Our hope is that through this kindness, of neighbors helping neighbors, we can encourage kids to stay in school and out of harm’s way.

Donated items include school-approved clothing, school supplies, personal hygiene items, socks, underwear and shoes. We gratefully accept monetary donations which we use to restock our inventory throughout the school year, provide holiday assistance and help fund school-based and community youth programs in our area. Kids Needs proudly awards three annual $1,000 high school scholarships to seniors at Lemon Bay High School. Recipients are selected by school-based personnel.

Meetings are held at our closet location in Englewood at 8:00 a.m. on the last Friday of each month with the exceptions of June and July.

Thank you for you interest – we encourage you to get involved!

 

Our Projects

Donated items include school-approved clothing, school supplies, personal hygiene items, socks, underwear, and shoes. We gratefully accept monetary donations which we use to restock our inventory throughout the school year, provide holiday assistance, and help fund school-based and community youth programs in our area. Kids Needs proudly awards three annual $1,000 high school scholarships to seniors at Lemon Bay High School. Recipients are selected by school-based personnel.

We maintain a boutique store for distribution of donated items which is located at Heron Plaza (2790 S. McCall Rd, suite 10) in Englewood. The closet is open from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Thursdays that Charlotte County schools are in session. No appointments are needed; we serve our families on a walk-in basis.

We sponsor special events throughout the year, such as the Holiday Assistance Program, Homecoming and Prom boutiques, and our fund-raising golf tournament.  We also coordinate with local civic organizations as they sponsor their own donation and collection efforts.  We participate in the Englewood YMCA’s annual Back to School Bash by supplying back to school clothing, shoes, toiletries, and school supplies for approximately 500 students.  Watch this site for announcements of upcoming activities.

 

A group of cheerful small school kids in corridor, standing

Our schools

– We support students at these schools –

Englewood Elementary School
Vineland Elementary School
Myakka River Elementary School
L.A. Ainger Middle School
Lemon Bay High School
SKY Academy-Englewood campus
Genesis Christian Academy

 

Our Board of Directors

– All Volunteers –

Becca deRosa, Chair
Marcia Ziegler, Recording Secretary
Cindy Handrick, Treasurer
Mary Jo Holleran
Karen Current
Marie Laforge,  Social Media

Honorary Board Member: 

Tom Dignam, one of our founding members

Special Consultant

Chuck Dever, husband of our founder, remains closely associated with Kids’ Needs.  While not an active Board member, Chuck continues to play an important role in guiding our organization.


Meetings are held at our boutique location in Englewood at 8:00 a.m. on the last Friday of each month with the exceptions of June and July.

All those listed here are volunteers, giving of their time and talents without compensation.

Our founder

Our Founder, Ann Dever

On a cold afternoon in February 2009, Ann Dever ran into her neighbor, Marcia Louden.  After a little catching up, Ann asked how the children were doing during the economic downturn.  At the time, Marcia Louden was the principal at L.A. Ainger Middle School and she knew exactly how the recession was impacting local kids.

Kids wore shoes with holes in them, that were too small, or that were held together with duct tape.  Many had no sweaters or coats for chilly days and some came to school wrapped in blankets.  Many did not have enough spare change in their pockets for a small lunch and went hungry rather than share their misfortune or admit that one or both parents had lost their jobs.

After hearing the sad news, Ann wanted to help.  Ann had the time, and she certainly had the heart, to take on any challenge to do some good in her community.  However, Ann was diagnosed with terminal cancer at the age of 74 and, knowing her own days were numbered,  she contacted her friend Tom Dignam, a local businessman with Key Agency, to help.  In April 2009, Ann, Tom, and a few other generous souls founded Kids’ Needs of Greater Englewood.  Sadly, Ann passed away in October 2009 but her legacy lives on in the organization she inspired.

join our efforts

Volunteer

Discover the joy of making a difference in young lives through volunteering with us. Your time and care can shape a brighter future. Dive in today!

Gift in Kind

Spark joy and possibility by donating shoes, clothing, and school supplies to kids in need. Your contributions create a brighter path and a world of opportunities. 

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