Fifty-eight Delaware children from 21 families received warm coats, art supplies, teddy bears, doll houses, Lego sets and many other items on their wish lists, thanks to a Navient philanthropy program.
Navient employees raised funds during the year to support for many of the neediest families served by Delaware’s Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families. Social workers collected a list of needs from the families, and Navient employees volunteered to fulfill their wish lists.
Navient’s “Think of a Child” program started in 2009 when employee Judi Beamer witnessed the joy of helping an area family and passed on the idea to her new coworkers at Navient.
In its eight years, the program has grown to include fundraisers such as silent auctions and the company’s Jeans BeCause program, which gives participating employees a “pass” to dress casually for the month in exchange for volunteer donations. Another popular fundraiser was the dunk tank at this year’s company picnic. The year-long effort culminates in a gift presentation to parents and caregivers identified by state social workers as needing support. In addition to gifts for the children, families receive gift certificates and grocery cards. This year’s program raised $22,000 for local families.
Delaware’s Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families supports the needs of area families dealing with financial problems, medical issues, substance abuse and other challenges year-round. To learn more about services available to Delaware families in need, visit kids.delaware.gov.
