Empowering Children in Need
Rubye’s Kids partners with homeless shelters and schools in Philadelphia to provide for children and families.
"1,500 children living in homelessness have no voice. Their situation is by no fault of their own. Rubye's Kids chooses not to look away from them."
Roz Weiss, Founder of Rubye's Kids
Partnering for Community Care
Rise Gatherings is honored to partner with Rubye’s Kids, a Philadelphia-based organization doing essential, on-the-ground work with children and families in the shelter system. Rubye’s Kids provides welcome bags, everyday essentials, and joyful gifts that remind each child they matter, they belong, and they are cared for. Their work meets immediate needs while restoring dignity, warmth, and humanity for families navigating instability.
Contribute to Change
Rise Gatherings encourages you to join their commitment to fundraising for change in communities
Affirm Possibility
Each child who enters the shelter receives this affirmation pillowcase - an item Rubye’s Kids has included for years because of the potential impact - the last message a child sees at the end of the day and the first as they awake. These are a daily reminder of worth, safety, and possibility.
Commit to Community
Rubye's Kids provides 500 children with bags filled with essentials that include these pillow cases. Rise is teaming up for this meaningful mission and is committed to supporting the local Philadelphia community.
Choose to Care
Together we can turn toward the change that is needed - to choose to care for others in our communities and to connect with our shared humanity. Support one child, or many - each pillowcase is a $20 donation. Your contribution carries this mission forward.
Rooting in to Rise
The Rise & Rubye's Kids Relationship
Rubye's Kids Founder, Roz Weiss was a facilitator at the first Rise Gatherings Weekend Getaway in 2017. As Philadelphia natives, Roz and Rachel Rubin, Rise Co-Founder, reconnected at a local community event. Rachel's connection with Rubye's Kids mission was reignited as Roz shared the current challenges her organization is facing.
Rise Gatherings is partnering with Rubye's Kids to mobilize efforts to continue providing resources for children in need in Philadelphia shelters and schools.
INSPIRE TO IMPACT
The Rubye's Kids Story
Rubye's Kids was founded in 1994 when Roz Weiss teamed up with Rubye Caesar, a Philadelphia woman who was devoted to giving children joy at holiday time. Rubye's Kids has supported over 30,000 children in the community for 30 years.
There are 1,500 homeless children and families in Philadelphia and Rubye's Kids is partnered with five shelters and two schools to meet their needs and ease transitions.
Rubye's Kids yearly projects include Welcome Bags with essentials such as toiletries, Cozy Kids with pajamas and blankets, Backpacks filled with school supplies, winter coats, books and so much more.
Learn More About This Initiative
Is Rubye's Kids a 501(c)(3) nonprofit?
Yes, Rubye's Kids is run by an all-volunteer working board and operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Who makes the affirmation pillow cases?
The affirmation pillowcases are created by Debbie Oser, owner of Keeping It Positive, who draws from her own lived experience. Debbie has been partnering with Rubye's Kids for years to provide these to children in the community.
Is my donation tax deductible?
All donations made through the Rise Gatherings fundraising initiative are contributed directly to Rubye's Kids on behalf of our community. Donations made on the Rise Gatherings website are not tax-deductible. If you’d like to make a tax-deductible donation directly to Rubye’s Kids, please click here.
Can I volunteer for Rubye's Kids?
Yes! Rubye's Kids is an all-volunteer run organization based in Elkins Park, PA. They welcome volunteer support in various forms. Contact Rubye's Kids if you are interested in learning more.
Is Rise Gatherings still impact partners with Days for Girls?
Yes! We are still proud Impact Partners with Days for Girls, and that long-standing relationship continues to be nurtured. At the same time, Rise Gatherings recognizes the importance of supporting on the ground in our own communities. Our partnership with Rubye’s Kids allows us to offer meaningful, accessible care to children locally while maintaining our ongoing commitment to Days for Girls.