Back to Basics founder Beverly Perham (far right) with some of her volunteers.
Back To Basics
Wellington-Based Nonprofit Helps Children In Need By Julie Unger
Back to Basics, a Wellington-based charitable organization, has easily helped more than 500,000 children in need in Palm Beach and Martin counties over the course of three decades. Founded by Wellington resident Beverly Perham, Back to Basics is now in its 34th year. Adamant in keeping her promises, Perham and her team help as many children as possible, be it through providing school uniforms in August or providing holiday gifts in December. Through its Christmas season An-
gel Program, each child receives new sneakers, socks, underwear and a toy. Back to Basics recently provided school uniforms to students in 47 schools, as well as the GuatemalanMaya Center in Lake Worth. They delivered 12,000 school uniforms in Palm Beach County — up 2,000 from the 2016-17 school year. However, the numbers, and the need, continue to grow. “We took on a few more schools, and then a few more of the schools,” Perham said. “We really need to increase
how much we give, because they’re so desperate. However, I can’t commit to more than I think we can handle.” This holiday season, she has 7,015 children on the list provided to the organization through schools — up from 5,800 last year. Students at 51 schools will be served during the upcoming holiday season. “It’s sad that we have that many, and we could do more, but you can only do what you have funding for,” Perham said. “Right now, we’re going to be in desperate straits for Christmas.” wellington the magazine | september 2017
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