3 Million Needs Met
Since 2008, Care to Learn has met over 3 million emergent health, hunger, and hygiene needs thanks to our Chapters, partners, and donors. And we’re not done yet. Watch this video to get a glimpse at our 2 Million Needs Met celebration.
Our History
In the fall of 2007, founder Doug Pitt heard some sobering statistics about children experiencing poverty in his hometown of Springfield, Missouri. He was shocked to hear about the level of need, given that he had lived and worked in the same community for over 40 years.
Within 24 hours, Doug called upon community leaders and shared stories of children who needed help. Before the end of the business day, funds were raised to meet emergent needs of students in the areas of health, hunger, and hygiene. With this strong foundation, Care to Learn was founded in 2008.
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2008
Care to Learn Founded
Care to Learn is established and the Springfield Chapter meets the first need of a child.
2009
Expanding Area of Care
Care to Learn expands its reach beyond Springfield, opening the first Chapters in Bolivar, Ozark, and Nixa.
2011
100K Needs Met
Care to Learn meets 100,000 health, hunger, and hygiene needs of students across 8 Chapters in the state of Missouri.
2014
Growth in Missouri
Care to Learn expands to St. Louis area with the establishment of the Hazelwood, St. Charles, and Warrenton Chapters.
2015
500K Needs Met
Care to Learn meets 500,000 health, hunger, and hygiene needs of students across 24 Chapters, including our first in the Kansas City area.
2018
1 Million Needs Met
Care to Learn meets 1 Million health, hunger, and hygiene needs of students across 34 Chapters.
2022
2 Million Student Needs Met
Care to Learn meets 2 Million health, hunger, and hygiene needs of students across 38 Chapters.
2022
Continued Growth
Care to Learn adds its 40th Chapter celebrating a major milestone in its ability to continue serving students across Missouri.
2023
3 Million Student Needs Met
Care to Learn meets 3 Million health, hunger, and hygiene needs of students across 42 Chapters.
Looking Ahead
Plans for the Future
What started as one fund and one partnership with Springfield Public Schools has now expanded to 40+ school districts and communities across the state of Missouri.
Over the years, Care to Learn has evolved and grown. We’ve created a successful model that empowers our partner school districts to identify, develop, and respond to the needs of their students immediately and effectively without red tape.
We want to continue to fill the gaps because we know the statistics: 1 in 5 children live in poverty and more than 200,000 children in Missouri live with food insecurity. We also know that something as simple as a coat, a meal, or a pair of glasses can help a child and their ability to learn.
It takes a network of educators, schools, communities, and partners to meet the emergent health, hunger, and hygiene needs of students in all of our districts. Together, we can provide them with a safe place to grow and learn. Together, we can show them we care.
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.