PROGRAMS
Berkley Boxes: Sponsored by Berkley & Adventure Subaru
At Champions for Kids, we believe that literacy opens doors to a brighter future…especially for children facing significant challenges. The "I FINISHED STRONG!" Reading Champions Program ensures that students are motivated, celebrated, and rewarded for their commitment to reading and personal growth.
What began as Books, Bears, and Blankets, an initiative launched with the support of Adventure Subaru, has now evolved into Berkley Boxes…a game-changing incentive program that rewards students for their dedication to reaching their reading goals!
Through partnerships with school counselors and administrators, Champions for Kids identifies students in need…including homeless youth and those facing crisis situations such as food insecurity, home displacement, and extreme poverty. The Berkley Box, made possible by Berkley and other community partners, provides these students with:
Exciting incentives to celebrate their achievements
A bear for comfort and support
Additional rewards to keep them motivated
Every child deserves encouragement, recognition, and the opportunity to FINISH STRONG!
Will you be a Champion for Kids? Your support helps ensure that children in need receive the resources, motivation, and celebration they deserve.
2024 Holiday Festival Recap
A Place at the Table. A Night to Remember. A Community that Cares.
On December 2024, Champions for Kids hosted an unforgettable Holiday Festival celebrating over 1,200 children, families, educators, and community partners. This incredible event honored 16 of our partnered schools across Northwest Arkansas and was the grand finale to our “I FINISHED STRONG!” Reading Champions Program.
From the moment families arrived, they were greeted with a beautifully decorated venue, elegant tables, and the warm spirit of the season. Students and families enjoyed games, gourmet meals, heartfelt connection, and an abundance of joy and surprises. For many, it was their very first time experiencing such celebration and care.
Educators left inspired and deeply valued. One teacher received a brand-new car. Others went home with full room makeovers, prime rib gift boxes, and beautifully wrapped gifts that filled Santa’s Sleigh. Every teacher walked away with thoughtful gifts, and every student left knowing their hard work and perseverance mattered.
“The atmosphere is inviting and fun—just plain MAGICAL. My students love it. Their smiles are contagious the entire night.” — Ms. Flanigan
“I never thought I’d be able to provide Christmas for my kids this year. This event filled our home—and our hearts.” — Festival Testimony
What made it all possible? Champions like you.
With the support of our sponsors, Walmart and Sam’s Club executives, volunteers, and hundreds of community partners, we transformed a dream into reality.
Holiday Festival Goals – and Beyond
Because of the momentum from the 2024 Festival, we’ve set our sights even higher:
Expanding to 21 schools in 2025 (up from 16!)
Hosting the 2025 Holiday Festival at the Rogers Convention Center to serve over 1,500 guests
Equipping over 8,600 students in reading, math, nutrition, and fitness through our I FINISHED STRONG! Reading Champions Program
Recognizing life-changing milestones that help break cycles of poverty and build brighter futures
Special Thanks
From school principals to district leaders, Walmart and Sam’s Club teams, Tyson, Berkley, Eagle Foods, and the many generous individuals and companies who helped make this celebration an everlasting memory...we are forever grateful.
