Planting Seeds of Kindness: Children’s Grove Completes Kindness Library Expansion with Missouri Humanities Grant
In late 2023, Children’s Grove received a $10,000 grant from the Missouri Humanities Council to expand its signature Kindness Library program – and over the past year, that investment helped bring thousands of carefully selected books to young readers throughout Boone County.
With the funding, Children’s Grove delivered over 1,500 books to more than 70 elementary schools, daycares, preschools, and community organizations, reaching children in both public and private settings. Each location received a “Kindness Library,” a tote bag of five age-appropriate storybooks selected to promote empathy, compassion, inclusion, and respect. The books were chosen by a panel of retired educators, social workers, and early childhood experts, ensuring each title supported the emotional and social development of young readers.
“Our Kindness Library program has been central to our mission since 2017, but this grant allowed us to reach more children than ever before,” said Sarah Greenlee, president of Children’s Grove. “We’re so grateful to Missouri Humanities Council for helping us share these meaningful stories across our community.”
The program’s goal was not only to distribute books, but to foster a culture of kindness in classrooms, childcare centers, and family service spaces. As part of the initiative, Children’s Grove conducted follow-up satisfaction surveys with recipients and responses were overwhelmingly positive. Many educators and service providers shared that the books had become beloved parts of classroom story time, small group discussions and even therapy sessions.
“Our organization hopes seeds will be planted as the tales are told, which will blossom when children find themselves in intolerant situations,” said Lisa Fritsche, Kindness Library program coordinator.
Children’s Grove, an all-volunteer nonprofit, is guided by the belief that “a single act of kindness can change a life forever.” The Kindness Library program is a powerful expression of that vision, providing tools that help young children understand and practice empathy from an early age.
Though the 2023 grant cycle has concluded, the impact of the program continues to grow. The books are still being read, loved, and shared in dozens of classrooms and care centers across Boone County. And the children touched by these stories are becoming quiet ambassadors for kindness – just as Children’s Grove hoped they would.
To learn more or support the next phase of the Kindness Library program, visit www.childrensgrove.org.
