Kay's Kids works in conjunction with the Town of Salem School Administration Unit (SAU 57) to enhance and expand the "End 68 Hours of Hunger" program that was established in Salem in 2014. The current program provides "shelf-stable" food to 112 children in 58 families in Salem who are food-insecure and in need of other necessities.

Kay Barretto was brought home by Jesus to the Father in June of 2023. Although she had the face of an angel, she had the heart, courage, and determination of a lioness. Kay recognized that the little ones in the "End 68" program were in need of far more than just food, and followed the path made straight by God to broaden the scope of the program using other heavenly means.

“Few of us can do great things but all of us can do small things with great love”. Saint Mother Theresa

Here are the initiatives that Kay and her friends have brought about as an instrument of God's love for his children:

--Books for Kids: Our newest initiative. Kids love to read and learn, but what might they turn to if there was nothing to read and nothing to do during winter vacation? Now they're able to choose a free book (or we're hoping more next year with your help) to read, and to gain knowledge and understanding.
-Gloves and Hats: our coordinated endeavor with our friend and brother, Mark Grams. (Winter of 2025)
--Birthday Kits: every child should feel special on their birthday, so Kay filled cake pans with every ingredient needed to bake a cake, including frosting and candles, all wrapped with a beautiful ribbon and bow. (And now her friends seem to be adding some special additions from their own pockets!)--Sneakers: many children look forward to showing-off their new footwear when they return in the Fall for the new
 school year. Kay wanted the needy kids to have new, name-brand trendy sneakers like all the other children. 
--Coats for Kids: everyone wants to keep warm in the long New England winters. Kay worked with the very generous local Knights of Columbus chapter, who were already providing new adult winter coats, and they have expanded the program to include new winter coats for kids. 
--Snow Pants and Snow Boots: at school, only kids with snow pants and boots are allowed to go outside and play during recess. Kay wanted all children to be able to share in the fun of recess, so we now supply new snow pants and boots for those in need. And now we've adding hats and gloves and socks! 
--Sunscreen/Bug Spray/Summer Toys: Kay wanted all children to be able to have fun during summer vacation, so we provide sunscreen for a beach day or just running under the sprinkler, bug spray for a nice walk thru the woods or the local park or rail-trail, and frisbees, bubble-soap, and sidewalk chalk to help pass the long summer days. 
--Fresh Fruit: once-a-month on Fridays, we are sending the kids back home with sweet, healthy treats like apples and oranges.
--Socks, Hats, Gloves, & Mittens: for the children while playing with friends at recess, waiting for the bus, or walking home from school.

"What you did for the little ones, you also did for me." Matthew 25:40

We hope that you will consider helping our parish to continue Kay's work by contributing your time, talent, or treasure to Kay's Kids. Please email Jan at [email protected] or Joyce at [email protected] if you would like to help. To contribute by check, please make payable to Saints Mary and Joseph Parish with "Kay's Kids" in the memo line. To contact us or to give electronically, please click on the appropriate link below:

FAQ #1: I have some time, but what would I be asked to do? 
 1). help assemble birthday kits, or help to organize sneakers, snowsuits, boots, sunscreen, etc.
 2). stock shelves, break-down boxes, deliver groceries or clothing items.

FAQ #2: I have no spare time, but I'd like to contribute monetarily. How can I do this?
 1). write a check to Saints Mary and Joseph Parish with "Kay's Kids" in the memo line.
 2). bring a cash contribution to the office or give to one of the Mass Coordinators before/after mass.
 3). click the "treasure" link below and scroll down in the dropdown list to "Kay's Kids"


I HAVE TIME/TALENT TO HELP THE LITTLE ONES!

I HAVE TREASURE TO HELP THE LITTLE ONES!

April 2026 Update:
We are so grateful for our new volunteers who responded to our request and our need! We
are also very appreciative for our dedicated, steadfast, and flexible volunteers, and we thank you for all that you do for Kay's Kids and End 68 Hours of Hunger. Many hands make this work easier, and you have the opportunity to find new friends along the way. The generosity of our parishioners, as demonstrated through much-needed material and financial donations, is overwhelming! We cannot express we are--God bless you for all your gifts of time, talent, and treasure!

Happy Easter Season, and thank you,
Steve, Jan, Diane, Joyce and Debbie

Feb 2026 Update: Currently there are 112 children in 58 families that receive support and the number served continues to increase each year.

Volunteers are needed to bag groceries to go out to homes, help sort out donations of winter gear to go to the children in November, back to school sneakers in August, and a summer package before school is out. A generous donor provides fresh fruit monthly. Each child receives a birthday package for their special day. The Parish has whole-heartedly supported both a sock drive and hats and mittens drive which enhanced the Coats for Kids donations from the Knights of Columbus.

This is a vibrant year-round mission and we are always looking for volunteers. Currently we have 20 active volunteers who work with the End 68 Hours of Hunger program. Other volunteers are involved with the bigger efforts of coats, boots, sneakers and snow pants. We are currently in need of drivers to go to the NH Food Bank in Manchester, NH.

Also please consider a monetary donation made out to the Parish with Kay's Kids on the memo line, or donate on line by choosing the Kay's Kids category.

If this ministry is for you and you could donate 2 hours a month or more of your time, please contact our volunteer coordinator directly, Joyce Hatfield at (603) 898-8402.