Programs

For the last 13 years, Children’s Aid, Inc. has been working to support Calvert County children in need; our biggest program being Operation Backpack.

Often, children who do not have the proper school supplies are too ashamed to admit it and end up falling behind. Students cannot do their best if they do not have the right tools. Our goal is to highlight the importance of education and help students approach the beginning of the school year with a greater sense of confidence & hope. Operation Backpack provides local children with a new backpack filled with grade-specific school supplies. To date, over 1500 students have benefitted from the program.

  • “I would like to thank you guys for the bottoms of our hearts for all the book bags and supplies. We are very grateful and happy! K. B., Mom of 3 children
  • “Thank you so much for helping my family. I appreciate this greatly.” L. V, Mom of 3 children
  • “It is a huge help to my family in a time when we just couldn’t afford to get what my son needed to start school this year. He is very excited about starting now that he has a new bookbag and all of the supplies he needs. Thank you all so much!!” Brandy
  • “Thank you for helping with the backpacks and supplies. I appreciate it very much. I am raising my grandsons and it helped very much. Thank you!” Patricia, grandmother of two
  • “Thanks so much for the help. You don’t understand how much this means to our family”. Leah, mom of four children

Memorial Scholarship Program

The Memorial Scholarship Program grants a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior pursuing a degree in Education and a $500 scholarship to a graduating senior pursuing post-secondary education, vocational or technical training which results in the applicant being awarded accredited vocational certification or an associate’s Degree. Applicants must be Calvert County residents and be graduating from a Calvert County Public High School.

Youth Sports Scholarships

In an effort to provide at-risk children with opportunities for physical activity, Youth Sports scholarships are offered for a variety of activities, including soccer, basketball, and baseball. Sports are a great way for children to keep physically fit, increase their concentration levels, and build their self-esteem. All this, while developing teamwork, cooperation, and discipline, and having fun to boot. To date, 70 Calvert County children have been awarded Youth Sports Scholarships and we are working to expand the program.

Great Book Giveaways

In an effort to promote childhood literacy, we hold the Great Book Giveaway every March in connection with National Reading Month. The Great Book Giveaways feature storytime, refreshments, fun photo props, and as the name implies, free books for children in attendance. We also remind the parents of the importance of reading aloud to their young children.

Christmas Cheer Program

For families already under enormous emotional and financial pressure, not being able to buy Christmas presents for their children can push them to the breaking point. Through grant awards and donations from individuals and local businesses, each registered child* receives a filled Christmas stocking and a new book. To date, Children’s Aid, Inc. has been able to brighten Christmas morning for 563 children.

*Christmas Cheer participants are referred by other holiday-related charities such as Toys for Toys and Calvert County Shop with a Cop.