FKO and Macys Boston Hosts Shopping Spree and Fashion Show for Everett Children

Everett, MA— December 16, 2022— On December 11, For Kids Only Afterschool (FKO) hosted a shopping spree for 60 Everett children at Macy’s Boston. Thanks to a $10,000 donation from Macy’s each child received a gift card to pick out holiday outfits to highlight in front of friends, teachers and family during a special Winter Fashion Show at the FKO Everett program. With the help of Macy’s team members, each child felt welcomed and special as they selected new clothing, shoes, and accessories that reflected their very own style.  

The children were even more excited as they took to the “runaway” to display special new outfits at FKO’s Winter Fashion Show. The young faces lit up the room as they modeled the latest fashions and their own glamourous style for friends, teachers, and family. FKO Everett children and families were joined at the Fashion Show event by Mayor Carlo DeMaria, a representative from Representative Joe McGonagle’s office, Macy’s Social Impact Manager Windy Pham and Macy’s Boston Senior Manager, Customer Experience DT Diego Areiza, and FKO Co-Founder and Executive Director Deborah Kneeland Keegan.

Designed and inspired by kids, the Winter Wonderland Fashion Show complemented the afterschool enrichment curriculum and hands-on learning opportunities at FKO. Each day, FKO’s enrichment programs give children structure and guidance from caring adults, homework support, and hands-on projects and enrichment classes that introduce topics such as STEM, the arts, and sports that allow young people to discover new passions, a hobby, or even future career. 

“This was a very special experience for the kids. ‘Fashion Club’ is one of the most popular enrichments at our program.  During fashion club the children draw up sketches of a design and use their creativity and various materials to make their creations come to life. Being able to pick out an outfit and then walk a runway was amazing,” says FKO Everett Site Director, Vanessa Arnone.  

FKO extends their gratitude to Macy’s. With this kind investment, children at FKO were able to plunge into imaginative design and build confidence they need for success in school and life. Macy’s is committed to empowering the curiosity and confidence of young people on their journey to become the leaders of tomorrow, which is part of the company’s social purpose platform, Mission Every One. If you would like to partner with FKO for future endeavors, contact Director of Development, Nicole Preston at npreston@fkoafterschool.org.