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The following was submitted by The Home for Little Wanderers:
It’s not every day an 8-year-old starts their own business, especially one dedicated entirely to helping other kids.
But Bobby Atchinson isn’t your typical kid. This inspiring second-grader from Winchester received the prestigious President’s Award during The Home for Little Wanderers’ annual Voices & Visions spring fundraising gala, held this year at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston, recognizing his amazing “Bobby’s Books” initiative.
The President’s Award, presented during the gala, celebrates someone truly special – an individual, partner, or company showing incredible dedication to the children and families The Home serves.
President & CEO Lesli Suggs, LICSW, personally selects the recipient for making a real difference in fulfilling The Home’s mission: helping kids and families build permanent, positive change. And this year, Bobby’s incredible spirit and effort shone brightest.
“Bobby’s story just warms your heart. He embodies the kindness and get-up-and-go spirit we cherish,” said Suggs. “For someone so young to dream up ‘Bobby’s Books,’ put in the hard work on weekends, and focus entirely on helping others is truly remarkable. He didn’t just raise money; he spread joy and awareness in his community. We couldn’t be prouder to give him this year's President’s Award.”
Fueled by Bobby’s own love for reading and a desire to share that joy, Bobby set up a pop-up bookstore with the help of his family in Winchester Center on Saturdays this past November.
Picture a lemonade stand, but brimming with books donated by friends and neighbors. For just $5 a book, people could grab a great read while supporting a fantastic cause. Bobby even gave personal recommendations. His stand quickly became a community hub, with friends and neighbors stopping by to cheer him on.
All the money raised went to The Home for Little Wanderers and helped kids get essentials like warm clothes for chilly New England weather and holiday gifts – things many kids served by The Home might otherwise go without. The Atchinsons raised an impressive $8,000 for The Home; “The best part is helping other kids,” said Bobby.
“When Bobby first shared his idea, I was proud to support him in any way I could,” said his mother, Jeanna Atchinson. “From researching the children's organization and designing a website to opening our garage for donations and getting the permit, it truly became a family effort. When we delivered the check, Bobby was absolutely beaming — he kept saying, ‘They’re going to open presents at Christmas!’ It was a moment of pure joy for him. As a parent, you always want to see your child succeed, but more importantly, you hope they grow into someone who is kind and generous. Seeing his heart so engaged in helping others was incredibly rewarding. It’s something I’ll always be proud of.”
Bobby’s initiative is a perfect example of the invaluable contributions the President’s Award seeks to recognize – creative, heartfelt efforts that directly support The Home’s work with children facing trauma, abuse, behavioral health challenges, or needing foster care and adoption services.
Voices & Visions is The Home's largest, most impactful fundraiser of the year. This year’s inspiring event brought together more than 300 supporters for an evening celebrating the resilience and successes of the youth and families served by The Home.
Guests heard powerful stories and celebrated alongside dedicated staff, collectively raising a remarkable $1.1 million. These crucial funds support The Home’s 30+ programs, which provide life-changing, holistic care to over 15,000 children and family members across the Northeast annually.
For over 200 years, The Home for Little Wanderers has helped build stable lives and hopeful tomorrows for children and their families. Its 30+ community-based and residential programs serve thousands of youth from birth to age 26. Many of these children have experienced abuse, neglect, trauma or a disrupted family life.
As the oldest child welfare agency in America, The Home provides them with safe surroundings, permanent loving relationships and a secure path toward a better, brighter future.
For more information, visit thehome.org.
