A fifth-grade boy was being ridiculed for wearing his mom’s jeans to school, and three siblings were sharing a single toothbrush. It was real stories like these that put a face on poverty and motivated Doug Pitt to take action. He wanted to help the thousands of kids who go to school hungry, suffering and embarrassed. In 2008, the businessman and philanthropist started Care to Learn in his hometown of Springfield, Missouri, and now, there are 33 chapters across the state. The nonprofit is dedicated to meeting the health, hunger and hygiene needs of underserved children so every student can be successful.

Care to Learn creates funds that provide students with everything from asthma inhalers and lunch to toiletries and clothing. “The original plan was simply to find the kids and help them,” Pitt says. “I’m thrilled with the growth we’ve experienced. It means we get to help more students.” Each chapter is started with support from the school district and community leaders to ensure sustainability. Pitt notes that many St. Louis residents stepped up to help grow the local chapters. “St. Louis is an amazing spot,” he says. “I’ve been blown away by the participation here. People and businesses want to be personally involved. It’s a testament to the city.”

The organization currently partners with four school districts in the St. Louis region but is ready to expand, according to regional director Annie Mayrose. “We want to continually grow and help more students,” she says. She also notes the program is adaptable and is currently working to address regional issues like an increase in transient students. The organization ensures students receive help without feeling stigmatized or being required to meet certain qualifications, which Mayrose notes cause some children to fall through the cracks. “I was immediately drawn to the organization because anonymity is of the utmost importance, and there is no red tape,” says board member Jessica Herschend. “The ability to meet needs quickly while also preserving a child’s self-esteem makes Care to Learn unique and incredibly effective.”

The organization is working on building local awareness. Sanaz Collins, board member and vice president of marketing at Reliance Bank, says she didn’t realize the severity of the issues addressed by the nonprofit until the bank sponsored one of its events. “I didn’t really think of the connection between children’s unmet basic needs and education before,” she says. “I’m very grateful to be involved with a group of people passionate about making a difference.” To share its mission, the nonprofit recently created a young professionals group called Friends of Care to Learn. “We don’t have an age limit; it’s a group open to any volunteers who want to give their time and energy,” Mayrose says.

To help raise both funds and awareness, Care to Learn is throwing a gala June 1. Collins and Herschend are co-chairs of The Great Gatsby-themed event. Herschend says guests can expect to be transported back to the 1920s. Music is provided by Miss Jubilee, and there even will be a speakeasy bar—accessible with a password, of course! It will be held at The Coronado, and the nonprofit hopes to make the most of the venue’s capacity. “I’m excited to fill the room with new faces that have yet to hear about the great work of Care to Learn,” Herschend says. “Increasing awareness is one of our main goals because once you know us, you won’t forget us!”

Care to Learn provides immediate funding to meet students’ needs in the areas of health, hunger and hygiene. Its regional fundraiser, themed after The Great Gatsby, is June 1 at The Coronado. Pictured on the cover: Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Jessica Herschend, Sanaz Collins, Donn Sorensen and Shelley Cade. For more information, visit caretolearn.org.

Cover design by Allie Bronsky
Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography

Pictured above: Advisory board chair Donn Sorensen and board member Jacky Joyner-Kersee.
Photo: Tim Parker Photography