Need Help?

Your child’s education is of critical importance.  Kids who go on to graduate high school and attend college or receive training for a specific skill are far more likely to find good jobs, be productive citizens, enjoy a fulfilling life and less likely to fall into poverty, crime, teen pregnancy, and other challenges.

If you are struggling to provide the clothes and supplies your children need to be successful in school, you may be eligible for help from Children in Need.  Please read information below on how Children in Need (CIN) may help you. To be able to receive assistance, your children must be a Washington County, MD resident.

Click link below to print out an application for services from Children in Need. 

Client Application Form

Client Information

Client Monthly Visits

Your child must be a resident of Washington County, MD to receive services.  When a parent/guardian signs the Children In Need (CIN) “Client Application Form” they are giving permission to verify each child’s status with the Food & Nutrition Department and the Student Services Department at Washington County Public Schools (WCPS), Head Start of Washington County or any other school listed on the form. This allows us to track demographic information for grant purposes.

Students enrolled in college, trade school or who are home-schooled and who still reside at home are eligible for services. They will not be eligible for the Voucher  program.

The center is open for clients on Wednesdays & Fridays from 8:30am to 12pm.

• CIN will do its best to give your children appropriate clothing, however, we rely on donations and certain items may not be available. Please be understanding of our limitations as we serve 3,000 children annually.
• Check in and show a picture ID (Maryland driver’s license or Maryland ID preferred).
• Families with children enrolled in school will receive hygiene bags.
• Underwear and socks are available for children enrolled in school.
• Each child may receive 2 coats per winter season.
• You may visit the center ONCE A MONTH. Our year runs from July 1 – June 30. Open year round.
• School-aged children are not permitted at the Center when school is in session – including if your child has a doctor’s appointment. 

Please keep your information (address, phone number, etc.) current with our office. Notify CIN of any changes in guardianship, student status with WCPS, addresses, and phone numbers. CIN uses your current  information for special events or special giveaways, therefore if you fail to keep your information up to date you will “miss out”.

Eligibility for Back-To-School Vouchers

• You must have used the Center AT LEAST FOUR TIMES between Sept. 1 and May 31 to be eligible for a voucher.
• The CIN Board of Directors is solely responsible for the Back To School Voucher Program. The Board determines each year whether we will have the voucher program and how much vouchers will be. No other organization is involved in the process.

Inclement Weather Policy

• If Washington County Public Schools are closed for inclement weather – CIN is closed.
• If there is a school delay – CIN is open at regular hours.

Do not leave unattended children in the vehicle! We are obligated by law to report to the police and the Department of Social Services.