Community Stories & Updates
Real stories from the Treasure Coast families and partners making a difference for local children.
A New School Year. A Fresh Start. Every Child Deserves Both.
For children facing hardship on the Treasure Coast, walking into school prepared is not a given. This month, our community changed that.
Right now, there are children across the Treasure Coast, in Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties, who will walk into their first day of school without a backpack. Without a pencil. Without a snack to get them through the morning. Not because their families do not care, but because making ends meet leaves little room for anything extra.
Kids First of the Treasure Coast exists for those children. We believe that every child, regardless of what their family is going through, deserves to walk into a classroom feeling ready, cared for, and equal to every other child in that room. A backpack is not just a bag. It is a message to a child that says: you matter, you belong, and someone in this community is rooting for you.
A Community That Shows Up
This month, roots 212 Hair Salon in Tradition Square stepped forward as a Friend of Kids First, organizing a community-wide collection of new backpacks, individually packaged snacks, school supplies, clothing, and essential items for local children across the Treasure Coast who need extra support.
The roots 212 team, led by owner Carolann, opened their doors and their hearts. Kids First will deliver these donations directly to local schools and the children who need them most, placed in their hands before the first bell rings.
"We care deeply about the kids right here in Tradition and across Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties. If we can help children by giving them the basics and a little extra hope, then we are honored to do it."
Thank You to Everyone Who Showed Up
Kids First thanks Carolann and the entire roots 212 team, Dana, Angela, Lenore, Gianna, Rebecca, Ben, and Wendy, for making this collection possible. And to every Port St. Lucie community member who donated: you gave a child something they will carry with them far beyond the first day of school.
Every backpack filled, every snack packed, every pencil donated moves us closer to a community where no child walks into school feeling invisible. That is the work. That is why we are here.
This is what community looks like.
Help us reach more children across the Treasure Coast. Visit www.kidsfirsttc.org
Together, we can let kids be kids.
Be Part of the Story with Kids First
Every donation helps a child on the Treasure Coast start the school year prepared, confident, and cared for.