BUCKETS OF HOPE = PLAY + LEARN + ENGAGE

Buckets of Hope has a goal to provide 18,000 Frederick County children living in ALICE* (low-income) families with meaningful educational and recreational activities. These Buckets include age appropriate arts & crafts supplies, STEM activities, musical instruments, board games, sports equipment (like jump ropes and balls), as well as many other basics (such as paper, crayons, markers and modeling clay).

Each Bucket encourages families to access the high-quality online lessons designed to be used with the Bucket’s contents. We hope these items will encourage families to develop the habit of playing and learning together, whether it be a board game or a simple catch in the yard. The items are packaged in a large, sturdy bucket which, when turned over, can be used with the included drumsticks as a drum/percussion instrument. Volunteers also prepare hand written notes of encouragement to the families in each Bucket.

*The Challenge: ALICE in Frederick County

Recipients are identified through the seven Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) located within the City of Frederick. At this time, distribution is through referral only. Our partnerships have allowed us to provide an efficient system for Bucket distribution. FCPS, City Parks and Recreation, and local faith-based communities all contribute to this mission.

To date, we have distributed 700 Buckets with an impact on 1,400 vulnerable youth (averaging two children per household). Our goal is to provide 9,000 Buckets with an impact on 18,000 youths.

View our library of public videos or CYM member classes to get started. Or, visit our FAQ for more information.