About BICS

Bethel Island Children’s Support was founded in 2014 and it received it’s 501c3 nonprofit status on April 15, 2015. Its goal is to support children in the Bethel lsland community with events and goods that will enrich their lives, promote positive self esteem, unite the community and instill a spirit of giving and volunteering. As a grass-roots, all-volunteer organization, Bethel lsland Children’s Support has no paid staff. All proceeds benefit the community, and all donations are tax deductible. The organization relies solely on donations, volunteer efforts and word-of-mouth promotion.

Our Mission Statement

To bring the Bethel Island community's children, grades 12 and under, together to assist with information on health, safety, education and to expand their awareness of community service.

In 2023
We gifted over 300 new coats, filled over 200 backpacks for school age children,
wrapped and gifted over 500 new toys  to families, awarded several new laptops to a high school seniors and awarded two college tuition scholarships and one supplies scholarship.

Our Current Projects

Annual Christmas Party

The annual Bethel Island Children’s Christmas Party began in 2006 at the Rusty Porthole with 40 children receiving coats and gifts. By 2023, it had grown to over 270 attendees and is now held at Scout Hall, the community center. The event features music, food, gifts, crafts, photos with Santa, and balloon animals for the children.

Safety

In 2024, we took our safety campaign to a new level. We had a sign created by dedicated volunteers and distributed to most waterfront homes on the island to put up on their docks and ramps. Additionally, we installed a life jacket loaner station. The station offers free loaner jackets in various sizes to the community.

Education

It is this organization’s hope through our annual Tuition Assistance Scholarship, Laptop Program, Tutoring and backpack giveaway that we can reduce the financial burdens of underserved families in the community and motivate residents to invest in pursing education for the betterment of themselves and the community.