Kidzz Helping Kidzz

Kidzz Helping Kidzz: A Youth-Led Nonprofit Organization

Our History, Mission, and Purpose:

Kidzz Helping Kidzz is a youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to giving hope and joy to children in need while inspiring a culture of kindness, empathy, and mutual support within our communities. The organization was born out of the compassion of Zach Darner, who, at just 7 years old, sought a way to give back to children facing hardships. Zach’s inspiration stemmed from a personal experience when his infant brother was critically ill and hospitalized. During this challenging time, Zach’s desire to bring comfort to children in similar situations led to the idea of delivering new toys to children at their hospital bedsides.

Founded in 2016, Kidzz Helping Kidzz has grown into a vibrant youth-driven initiative. In 2018, the organization formed the Advisory Board, a group of 15 youth members aged 10-17, who now lead the organization’s programs and charitable efforts. Since its inception, Kidzz Helping Kidzz has distributed over 53,000 toys to children at local hospitals, including St. Michael Medical Center, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, and St. Anthony Hospital. The toys provided to children in these healthcare settings help alleviate feelings of isolation, anxiety, and loneliness, making their medical experiences a little brighter.

As the organization continued to grow, the Advisory Board recognized the rising issue of food insecurity among youth. In 2018, the Advisory Board expanded Kidzz Helping Kidzz’s focus to include combating hunger in the community. This effort began with partnerships with the Bremerton Backpack Brigade and the Central Kitsap Backpack 4 Kids program, packing food for low-income students. In spring 2023, the organization hosted its first food drive, collecting over 2,100 non-perishable food items to support low-income families in Bremerton.

At its core, Kidzz Helping Kidzz remains dedicated to empowering young people to lead positive change while meeting the immediate needs of children and families in the community.

Who We Serve:

Kidzz Helping Kidzz is committed to serving children and families facing challenges, particularly in the areas of healthcare and food insecurity. Through our programs, we reach children and families who are in need of support, with a focus on those affected by hospitalization and food insecurity.

Our flagship initiative is the annual toy drive, which provides toys to children aged 2-17 who are in the Emergency Department or are hospitalized. These toys play a critical role in easing the emotional distress that many young patients experience during their medical treatments, helping them feel calm, special, and supported. One recipient of our toy drive, a 6-year-old girl, shared how her toy helped her feel “excited” and “calm” during a blood draw, alleviating her fear and anxiety. This heartwarming feedback speaks to the profound impact of our work and underscores the importance of ensuring every child feels cared for in times of vulnerability.

In addition to our toy drive, we have been actively addressing the growing challenge of food insecurity that impacts many families in our community. Through our ongoing collaborations with the Bremerton Backpack Brigade, we regularly pack and distribute backpacks filled with food to children in need. These backpacks help provide meals and snacks to children who may not have access to consistent meals outside of school.

Our inaugural food drive, which was conducted in spring 2023, was a resounding success. Initially aiming to place 10 collection boxes within the community, our campaign surpassed expectations with 31 boxes placed across local businesses and organizations. With the support of community members, we collected 2,107 non-perishable food items, which weighed 2,111 lbs and translated into the equivalent of 1,759 meals for families facing food insecurity.

Conclusion:

Kidzz Helping Kidzz continues to grow and thrive as a youth-led organization committed to making a difference in the lives of children and families in need. Through toy drives, food drives, and various partnerships, we have been able to provide tangible support to those facing difficult circumstances, while empowering youth to take on leadership roles and make meaningful contributions to their community. As we continue to expand our efforts, we remain inspired by the kindness, generosity, and compassion of the young leaders who make it all possible.