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The Little Givers Club was born from a simple idea: What if we could show kids that they already have the power to change the world?
What started as a small group of families wanting to teach their children about giving back has grown into a vibrant community of over 1,500 members showing that kindness has no age limit. Guided by its mission of “teaching kids to change the world,” the nonprofit encourages children of all ages to step beyond their daily routines and spread joy through simple acts of generosity and compassion.The Little Givers Club was founded by Hannah McKinnon, a mom of three from North Canton. She launched the club with a simple mission: Give kids the tools, the opportunity and the community to make a real difference right in their own backyard.
The inspiration came from a desire to raise children who lead with kindness and understand the value of giving back. It started with simple, everyday moments, like paying for another family’s meal, and grew into helping children experience the joy of giving without expecting recognition in return.
“We don’t want to just tell kids to be kind, we want to give them real opportunities to practice it in their communities and even at home,” said McKinnon. “When children experience giving firsthand, it shapes how they see the world. They begin to understand empathy, gratitude and the impact they can have on others. That’s something that stays with them for life.”
On the first day of every month, Little Givers are tasked with an accessible and simple mission of kindness. The giving mission is posted on the Little Givers Club Facebook and Instagram pages, and members are encouraged to implement the act of kindness in their own corners of the community.
From collecting donations of needed items to hosting food drives and making holiday cards, each month brings a fresh opportunity for kids to learn compassion, take action and see the direct impact of their kindness. Currently, the organization is preparing for its upcoming Care Bag Crusade initiative this summer, which is a hands-on opportunity for families and kids to impact other children going through difficult times. The event is made possible through a partnership with First Christian Church and Akron Children's Hospital and the sponsorship of local businesses and organizations.
The annual Care Bag Crusade is the organization’s signature event and at the heart of everything it does. On Aug. 14, families, kids and volunteers will gather at First Christian Church to assemble hundreds of care bags filled with comfort items for Akron Children’s Hospital patients, including soft blankets, fun activities, snacks and hand-written, encouraging cards.
During the event, Little Givers make the cards and each includes a personally written, heartfelt message. Watching kids pour their kindness onto paper for another child they've never met, but already care deeply about, is explained to be one of the most powerful moments of the day.
Once assembled, the bags are delivered to the hospital, where they're distributed to children undergoing treatment. During the organization’s most recent Crusade, over 200 care bags were delivered — each one a reminder for a child that someone is thinking of them.
Families from across Stark County are encouraged to be part of the organization at any level of involvement. While based in North Canton, its mission is community-wide and youth can participate by attending events, helping assemble care packages or completing the monthly giving missions in their own neighborhoods. “At its core, the Little Givers Club is about raising a generation that gives without needing recognition,” said McKinnon. “We believe small acts of kindness, done consistently, can create a ripple effect throughout the community.”
Learn more at www.littlegiversclub.com.