In January 2020, after seeing how many families were struggling financially, Grace Rodrigue and her two sisters — Olivia and Simone — wanted to do something to help. They created Kids Backing Kids (KBK), a 501(c)(3) non-profit to provide items for those in need and opportunities to teach youth about social justice issues. Over the past three years, KBK has provided gifts to 300 children and delivered more than 12,000 presents through its annual holiday drive, where kids get to participate. This year, the KBK Holiday Drive will benefit kids in Wellesley, Needham, and Newton.
Grace Rodrigue has been working with the Newton Public Schools over the last few years with back-to-school drives, a diaper drive, and a holiday gift drive. KBK is hoping to help more than the 75-100 Newton kids and families that the organization is currently serving.
Residents can sign up here to participate and sponsor a child in the KBK Holiday Drive. Each participating sponsor will receive an emailed gift wish list for the sponsored child. After sponsors have shopped for gifts, the gifts will be picked up by volunteers or may be dropped off at Kids Backing Kids. Kids Backing Kids will host a special gift-wrapping day with KBK volunteers and families. Those who want to help but do not have time to shop may make a monetary donation to enable KBK to purchase gifts for any child who does not have sponsor. For more information, prospective sponsors may email Grace with any questions.
