What we do all year long with COVID consciousness
By consistently showing up with practical and joyful items, handpicked and hand-packed with a loving note, Rubye’s Kids volunteers show children living in Philadelphia’s homeless shelters that many people care deeply about them and that they deserve the new supplies and fun experiences that so many of us take for granted. Committing to programs throughout the year almost guarantees that any child entering a shelter will experience the unconditional love of being a Rubye’s Kid at least once!
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Duffle Bag Project
Volunteers fill RK branded duffle bags for children entering the shelter system in Philadelphia with a new pillow, affirmation pillowcase, stuffed animal, colors of the world coloring book and crayons, toiletries including; shampoo and conditioner, soap and soap dish, toothbrush, holder and toothpaste, lotion and tissue. Also included is a book about MLK Jr and a “love note” from Rubye’s Kids to let the children know we care.
Kozy Kids
Rubye’s Kids red bag filled with blanket, bath towel, wash cloth, lovey and one pair of winter pajamas. Included personalized note saying, “We hope that the items in our Kozy Kids Bags help you to stay warm and kozy. Your friends at Rubye’s Kids.”
Spring Initiative
Drawstring bag that includes an insulated water bottle, baseball hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, toothbrush, toothpaste, an umbrella, bubbles, activity book, and crayons in preparation for summer programs.
Summer Enrichment
Financial sponsorship of camp and local field trips, as well as new equipment and supplies, for children in shelters during the summer to keep them safe, flourishing, and occupied.
Back to School Backpack Project
A sturdy backpack bursting with new, quality school supplies for children living in a homeless shelter, so that they go back to school equipped with everything they need to feel good about themselves and ready to learn.
Winter Coats
New, warm, winter coats for all children living in the homeless shelters with which we partner.
Holiday Party in a Bag
Designed to make the holiday special for children living in shelters and others in need. A Red Rubye’s Kids Bag includes a toy, hat, gloves, school supplies, art supplies, toothbrush, toothpaste, candy cane, culturally appropriate book, holiday socks, positive affirmation pillowcases, other fun gifts.
Busy Bags for children on the spectrum living in homeless shelters.
In honor of our namesake, Rubye Caesar’s great grandson, Sir. The contents of these mini-backpacks include:
Two Books, The Color Monster, by Anna Llenas, that relates colors to emotions and My Brother Charlie, by Holly Robinson Peete and her daughter, about an autistic child, based on her experience with her own son, noise canceling headphones, Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty, silicon poppers, triangular crayons, doodle pad, stretchy strings for sensory stimulation.
$75 per bag
Special Projects
Rubye’s Kids Learning Centers
Rubye’s Kids Learning Centers are stocked with computers, books, furniture, and inspiring decorations. They serve as welcoming oases in shelters and community centers; places for homework, research, reading, tutoring, and quiet family time.
Volunteer (Youth) Initiated Projects
Allowing local youth opportunities to create service projects that benefit children in need is a longstanding Rubye’s Kids tradition. We support Bar & Bat Mitzvah Projects, “Sock It To Me” sock drives, Popcorn Fundraisers, Concerts, Crayola Crayon collections, and more. Rubye’s Kids is open to new and creative ideas for children to get involved in making Rubye moments!