Winthrop Charities Awards for Kids Only Afterschool $5,000 for Scholarships

Winthrop Charities, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has once again extended their support to local families in need. Recognizing the toll that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on families and children, the local foundation founded by Michael and Donna Eruzione chose to award For Kids Only Afterschool (FKO) with a $5,000 grant to help parents and caregivers pay for their child’s attendance at FKO’s remote learning center and afterschool program.

Founded in 2004 by Mike Eruzione and his family in honor of their mother, Helen, Winthrop Charities aims to make a difference by championing causes that are important in the community, such as in education, sports, afterschool programs, substance abuse prevention, and food insecurities

Along with other child care providers, FKO has been significantly impacted by COVID-19. In addition to operating under strict health and safety measures, its programs have relocated out of school buildings and into community spaces and church buildings in order to operate full-day programming and support children during remote learning time. This has called for decreased staff to child ratios and purchase of personal protection equipment, supplies and furnishings. The nonprofit organization has had to make drastic changes to continue to operate under their quality standards while also not causing an increase to family tuition fees.

“We are so grateful to Mike and his wife Donna for selecting For Kids Only Afterschool as a recipient of this grant,” said Executive Director Deborah Kneeland Keegan. “These funds will be put to immediate use, and go such a long way in supporting families attend our programs who otherwise could not afford.”

Families in need of financial assistance to attend FKO’s remote learning center or afterschool program can reach out to Nicole Preston, FKO’s Director of Development, at npreston@fkoafterschool.org. 

For more information or to support Winthrop Charities, visit their website at www.winthropcharities.org.