ABOUT US

Community Children’s Fund History

Established in 1989, the Community Children’s Fund was created by the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce to raise funds to provide warm winter clothing and bedding to children in need that reside in the Exeter area communities. The Community Children’s Fund is part of the Exeter Area Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated in the State of New Hampshire, EIN 02-0485176

The Fund raises money year round through solicitation, donations, and events such as the Festival of Trees, Chase the Ace & The Winter Cornhole Tournament.

The Foundation works with local social service agencies to distribute Funds to qualifying families through the use of a voucher system. Vouchers are redeemed by the families at participating merchants as they would a gift certificate, to purchase clothing, outerwear, or bedding for children up to 18 years of age.

Requests for assistance continue to trend upward, from 155 children and $5000 in our inaugural year of 1989 to the fall of 2023 when we provided clothing vouchers to over 745 children totaling over $99,000.

Through the generosity of businesses and individuals, the Foundation has assisted more than 14,000 children with distributions exceeding $1,500,000 since its inception.

If you or your organization would like to make a contribution, participate in a promotion, or attend an event please visit the Exeter Area Charitable Foundation: www.exeterareacharitablefoundation.org. You may also donate by sending your tax-free donation to "Exeter Area Charitable Foundation”, 120 Water Street, Exeter, NH 03833.

Community Children’s Fund in our Local Schools

In addition to our voucher program that distributes funds to families for the purchase of warm clothes and coats for their children, CCF also distribute funds to local schools to catch needs that we may not be aware of. We empower school staff to use these funds to buy clothes, shoes, coats, mittens, and other necessary items for students in need. From the nurse to the principal to paraeducators, these staffs see the children in their schools each day and can quickly spot a need and fix it making a huge difference for our community.

Here are some of the kind words the schools have sent back to us in appreciation of this program:

“Thank you for your gift this season. Many needy families will be helped in the community thanks to your generosity.” - East Kingston Elementary School

“Our guidance counselors and nurse plan to use this money to purchase clothing and blankets for some needy students. Thank you once again for choosing our school for your donation.” - Epping Elementary School

“Through your donation, we will be able to assist families in need by providing warm winter clothing, shoes, and other essential items. Your organization truly makes a difference for us and we are extremely grateful!” - Lincoln Street Elementary School

“As a result of your donation, we will be able to help families in our district who are in need. Thank you again.” - Cooperative Middle School

“On behalf of the Newmarket School District, I would like to thank your foundation's very kind donation to help students in need. We will make sure your donation is used for needed winter wear or any other necessary needs.” Newmarket School District

Thank you to our generous donors who support programs like this to keep local kids warm! We appreciate your support!

 FAQs

  • You can donate by clicking the button on our home page! Or by supporting any of our amazing events in person or online throughout the year. Check out our main page for more information on upcoming events!

  • All donations to the Community Children’s Fund support our voucher program that currently serves hundreds of local kids who need some help buying warm clothes, coats, and bedding each winter. Donating to the Community Children’s Fund is one way to help these kids in need and support our community.

  • 02-0485176

  • Warm Clothing & Bedding Vouchers are distributed annually through our community partners. Contact your social services representative or your town's Human Services office for more information.

    See a list of our partner agencies

Handwritten letter expressing gratitude for a donation, allowing the writer's daughter to purchase warm clothing and a blanket for outdoor activities in a wheelchair. Mentions participation in Special Olympics skiing.
Two handwritten thank you notes expressing gratitude for clothing vouchers. Left note is from a grandparent appreciative of the help for their grandson. Right note is from a single mother thankful for support during the holidays. Both convey thanks t
Handwritten letter expressing gratitude for receiving a clothing voucher, allowing the writer to buy coats and boots for their children after a difficult year. The writer appreciates the help and wishes happy holidays.
Handwritten thank-you note expressing gratitude for a generous donation that made children's Christmas enjoyable, mentioning happy kids on Christmas morning.
Handwritten letter from a single mother expressing gratitude for a clothing voucher received for her three boys. She mentions working as an educational assistant and appreciates the kindness and support. The letter is signed 'A grateful mom' and date
Handwritten note expressing gratitude and wishes for love and family blessings.
Handwritten note expressing gratitude for a store clothing and bedding voucher.
Handwritten thank-you letter expressing gratitude to the Exeter Chamber Children's Foundation for a gift voucher to purchase warm clothing for children during winter.
Handwritten note saying "Thank you for the voucher. This really helps me out so much."
Handwritten thank you note on lined paper, expressing gratitude to a foundation for a voucher used for essential items.

MEET THE BOARD

  • A man standing on a grassy hill with a scenic landscape and body of water in the background, wearing a "Hawaii" T-shirt, khaki shorts, and hiking shoes.

    Charles Walker

    CHAIR

  • Smiling woman with curly hair in office setting

    Bonnie Galinski

    VICE CHAIR

  • Woman smiling and hugging a black and brown dog in a sunny outdoor setting with green grass.

    Briana Beauchesne

    TREASURER

  • Person posing confidently in a kitchen, wearing a red headband with white polka dots and a burgundy sweater, mimicking the 'We Can Do It!' poster.

    Deb Fournier

    Secretary

BOARD MEMBERS

  • Man wearing a Boston Red Sox sweatshirt and a yellow cap, standing outdoors by the coast with a house and rocky shoreline in the background.

    Robert Ficara

    Exeter Bowling Lanes, Shooter’s Sports Pub

  • Person with long blonde hair smiling in front of bleachers in a gym.

    Christine Davis Soutter

  • Smiling woman in a blue dress sitting at a dining table indoors.

    Susan Drinker

  • Woman with long brown hair smiling, sitting inside a car, wearing a gray sweater.

    Krista Wooles

    Lindt & Sprüngli, USA Inc.

  • Man standing indoors, wearing a blue vest and white shirt, with office furniture and beige walls in the background.

    Jim Wilson

    Bangor Savings Bank

  • Smiling woman with long brown hair wearing a floral dress and black cardigan, standing outdoors.

    Julie Clement

    Meredith Village Savings Bank

  • Man outdoors in a blue shirt with trees in the background.

    Michael Schidlovsky

    Director of Business and Community Relations at ConvenientMD Urgent Care

  • Woman smiling outdoors with blurred green foliage background

    Jennifer Wheeler

    President, Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce