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You Can Be A Helping Hand

Everyone has the power to be a helping hand. When you reach out, you are showing a child they are seen, cared for, and loved. Join us as we meet health, hunger, and hygiene needs and support schools all across the state of Missouri.

Our Mission

To meet children’s emergent health, hunger, and hygiene needs so they can succeed in school.

little boy sitting at a desk smiling

Our Impact

Helping Every Child Succeed

In 2008, Care to Learn started as a charity in Springfield, MO, with one goal: To fill the gaps for students in the areas of health, hunger, and hygiene and to help kids living in poverty. What started out as one school partnership has now expanded to 40+ communities and counting.

  1. What We Do

News and Updates

See All News and Updates

mercy employees smiling at Care to Learn office

Helping Hands Partner Spotlight: Mercy Springfield

March 5 | Andrea Harp

Game Changers. Life Savers. Helping Hands Partners. Our friends at Mercy Springfield know how to make an impact and have fun while doing it. Take a look at how they are helping us continue to meet even more health, hunger, and hygiene needs.

Learn More

high school boy smiling at camera

How Sam Got His Smile Back

February 1

“I never thought that I would be able to smile again without hiding my teeth.” Meet Sam*. He's a high school student with a big heart. Find out how Care to Learn stepped in to help him and his sibling in a big way.

two girls sitting outside with winter gear on and laughing

A Coat for Chloe

December 13

When the weather turned chilly, one student started visiting the school nurse's office instead of going outside. It didn't take long for the nurse to find out what was really going on.

little girl sitting at a desk smiling at her teacher

From Our CEO: Thank You, Mrs. Hargis

November 26

"At 8 years old, I couldn’t read. I was so far behind academically that my parents did not think I would make it to 3rd grade....But, I had an incredible teacher." Care to Learn CEO shares a touching story of a teacher who made a lasting impact in her life.

Upcoming Events

Chili Supper banner 2025

Mar 27

Sparta Chapter

Chili Supper Benefiting Care to Learn - Sparta

Join Care to Learn - Sparta for a Chili Supper, Pie and Silent Auction on March 27, 2025!

First and Give

Apr 12

Nixa Chapter

First & Give Flag Football Tournament

Join us for an exciting day of fun and friendly competition at the First & Give Flag Football Tournament on Saturday, April 12th, benefiting Care To Learn-Nixa!

Penguins banner.

Apr 12

Ozark Chapter

Penguins & Princesses Benefiting Care to Learn - Ozark

Join us for a seated dinner, games, auctions, dancing and more as we bring back Penguins and Princesses. Black tie optional.

Nixa sweet 16

Apr 14

Nixa Chapter

Care to Learn Nixa Sweet 16 Birthday Party

Join us to celebrate 16 years of Care to Learn's impact on the Nixa community.

Republic Tailgate Luncheon

Apr 16

Republic Chapter

3rd Annual Care to Learn - Republic Luncheon

Join us for our 3rd Annual Luncheon benefiting Care to Learn - Republic on April 16, 2025!

Ava Golf

Apr 26

Ava Chapter

Ava Third Annual CTL Golf Tournament

Our Third Annual Ava Care to Learn Golf Tournament to help support the hunger, health, and hygiene needs of Ava R-1 students will be held on April 26 at the Ava Country Club. Registration for the 2-player scramble is $100 per team (which includes lunch) with 8 am and 1 pm tee times. To register, please visit avabears.net or contact Aaron Dalton (417-683-4717).

Group of TNL attendees wearing green and smiling

Oct 2

School Soirée: Thursday Night Lights

Are you ready for it? Care to Learn’s 4th Annual School Soirée: Thursday Night Lights is set for Thursday, October 2, 2025.

B&B 2025

Oct 18

Nixa Chapter

Nixa Chapter Boots & Bling 2025

The 9th annual Boots & Bling fundraiser will be held on Saturday, October 18th at the beautiful Ozark Mill at Finley Farms, featuring great food, games, raffles, and silent and live auctions to benefit Care To Learn-Nixa.

Featured Partners

We’re able to meet the needs of more students every year because of our generous partners. Our local partners and sponsors support our mission by providing financial or in-kind donations, working with us on specific events, or helping to spread the word about Care to Learn.

We welcome the opportunity to work with you or your company. Contact us today and we will follow up.

Community Partners

  1. Arvest Bank Arvest Blue Logo 2024
  2. Bass Pro Shops logo Bass Pro logo
  3. Lacie & Roger Clark Lacie Roger Clark logo
  4. Community Foundation of the Ozarks Community Foundation of the Ozarks logo
  5. CoxHealth CoxHealth logo
  6. DMP DMP logo
  7. Edward Jones Edward Jones logo
  8. Mercy Mercy logo
  9. Pam & Mike Lowry Pam Mike Lowry Stacked
  10. Pitt Technology Group Pitt Technology Group logo
  11. Reliable Toyota Reliable toyota logo plate
  12. SGC Foodservice SGC Foodservice Logo

Community Supporters

  1. Brokate Janitorial logo Brokate Janitorial logo
  2. Elite Promotions Elite promotions logo
  3. Glenstone Square Glenstone Square logo
  4. Miller Commerce logo Miller Commerce logo
  5. Mostly Serious logo Mostly Serious logo
  6. SRC Holdings Corporation SRC Holdings Corporation logo
Students representing Care to Learn stand against a wall with only their legs and backpacks visible

Be a Helping Hand

Everyone has the power to be a Helping Hand. When you lend a hand, you are helping students all across Missouri access the critical health, hunger, and hygiene resources they need to succeed in school.

Donate Now