Grand Strand nonprofit ‘Jenny’s Love for Kids’ seeks donations ahead of holiday season

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — A Grand Strand nonprofit organization celebrating year five of service is seeking donations ahead of the holiday season.

Every year, from August to December, "Jenny's Love for Kids" has assisted more than 300 children who are in shelters or disabled.

The founder, Jennifer Vereen, has been a teacher assistant for special needs children at Kensington Elementary School in Georgetown County for the last 10 years. She says it has been one of her passions behind her initiative.

Vereen started her foundation in 2019 when she felt called to give back to her community. She says she became more aware of the extensive need to provide a service of humility for children when she became a grandparent.

"Before she was born, Shinaya was a twin. The twin passed away and Shinaya was born with stroke on the brain," Vereen said. "We didn't think she was going to survive but she did, and today she is 22 years old."

Jenny's Love for Kids focuses on children who have special needs, single parents, broken homes, or are in shelters. Vereen says she's going to take care of everyone up and down the Grand Strand. Right now, one shelter has 30 children under one roof.

"They're there with their moms for whatever reasons, but they're happy kids. I go and take things there to them and the directors all know me," she said. "They look forward to me sponsoring their Christmas because I will never let them down."

Vereen says donations are always needed, especially this time of year. Some of these items include stuffed animals, toys, blankets, clothes, school supplies, and bicycles.

Vereen says her foundation is always looking for sponsors and businesses in the community. She said funds are raised from local events such as bake sales and fashion shows.

To donate you can reach out to Kensington Elementary School or call 843-446-3889

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Jackie LiBrizzi is a multimedia journalist at News13. Jackie is originally from Hamilton, New Jersey, and was raised in Piedmont, South Carolina. Jackie joined the News13 team in June 2023 after she graduated as a student-athlete from the University of South Carolina in May 2023. Follow Jackie on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook , or Instagram , and read more of her work here.