NHCT Celebrates Community at Manchester Proud's CelebratED Event

Some days remind you just how much a community can accomplish when it comes together around its kids — and Manchester Proud's "CelebratED" event was exactly that kind of day.

New Hampshire Children's Trust was proud to have Rachel, our Training & Program Manager of Fatherhood​, and Carroll the Communications Manager, on the ground, discusing the Empowering Fatherhood Program, while tabling alongside dozens of other local organizations, businesses, and volunteers all focused on one goal: making sure every child in Manchester heads into the new school year ready and supported.

A Community Showing Up for Kids

The numbers alone tell a powerful story. This year's CelebratED event provided:

• 1,000 backpacks distributed to local youth

• Free haircuts for kids getting ready for picture day and the first day of school

• Free vision screenings to help catch potential learning barriers early

• Books for every young person in attendance, encouraging a love of reading before the school bell even rings

  
  

As a Community Partner Sponsor, NHCT was one of the many organizations that helped move the needle to help make year's event possible, and each of these offerings represents something families sometimes have to go without. Each item, provided freely and warmly by neighbors and local partners, is a tangible expression of what it means to strengthen a community from the ground up.

Why This Work Matters

Getting a new backpack, a fresh haircut, or a pair of properly prescribed glasses might seem like small things. But for a family stretching every dollar before the school year begins, these resources can make a real difference — easing financial pressure, building confidence, and helping kids start the year feeling ready and supported.

That's the spirit behind everything New Hampshire Children's Trust does: connecting families to the resources, relationships, and support that help them thrive. Events like CelebratED are a reminder that prevention and family well-being aren't abstract concepts. These concepts show up in backpacks, in books, in a haircut before picture day, and in the volunteers who show up year after year to make it happen.

Grateful to Be Part of It

A huge thank you to Aimee Kereage, Executive Director, and the rest of the Manchester Proud Staff, as well as the tons of Volunteers for organizing this event and to the many community partners, sponsors, and volunteers who made it possible. New Hampshire Children's Trust was honored to serve as the Community Partner Sponsor for CelebratED, with Rachel and Carroll spending the day connecting with families, sharing information about NHCT's programs, and celebrating everything this event represents: a community investing directly in its children.

Want to learn more about how New Hampshire Children's Trust supports families across the state? Visit our website or follow along on our social channels for more updates.