Our Story

Our Founding

In 2020, a group of friends came together to help a classroom of special needs children. This mission evolved to include 8 classrooms. We've completed several missions since that day all to provide for at risk children.

Easter gift baskets and essentials provided to 41 children residing in a local family shelter.

Our Growth

Founded in 2020, Build the Children has grown to provide a positive impact on the lives of at-risk children and subsequently their families. As a support organization, we are dedicated to bridging the gap of disparity by assisting schools, therapeutic programs and other nonprofits committed to the plight of underserved children. We strive to provide more than basic sustenance because we believe that it is in the extraordinary that hope and motivation are found.

Our Mission

Build the Children is on an ambitious mission to overcome the disparities of underserved children everywhere! 

Our Community Partners

OUR CURRENT MISSIONS AND LINK TO AMAZON GIFT LIST

9/19/2026

Snug as a Bug 2026

9 am

-

12pm

Jones Leadership Academy, Toledo, Ohio

Event Details

9/19/2026

Snug as a Bug 2026

This mission provides new pajamas and underwear for an estimated 900+ children attending Susie's Coats for Kids' annual distribution event o...

Event Details

9 am

-

12pm

Jones Leadership Academy, Toledo, Ohio

OUR ANNUAL EVENTS

K2: Bridging the Gap Scholarship

This is a perpetual scholarship program assisting at-risk children. It helps to pay for beneficial classes, therapies or other programs dedicated to improving communication skills, self esteem and the physical and mental health of children with disabilities.

Our past recipients attended programs/classes at:

The Ability Center- Agility Angels

Special Ninja's Adaptive Karate 

Donate Now

Annual Christmas Party for Leading Families Home Family Shelter

Build the Children hosts a Christmas party for a family homeless shelter with food, games, cookie decorating, bingo and crafts as well as an extra special treat...Santa Shop!  Children may choose from a wide variety of gifts and have them wrapped to give to their parent(s) for Christmas. We even have a very special guest, SANTA!!  Remember, it is in the extraordinary that hope and motivation are founded. Allowing a child to be the giver goes beyond basic sustenance and plants a seed for the future.

Donate Now

Baskets For Beach House

Annual event that provides many essential items from shampoo to diapers to every child currently living at in family homeless shelter.  Items are packaged in usable "baskets" such as backpacks, diaper bags or duffle bags.  Donors add an extra special touch by adding in small toys, gift cards, candy and clothing items.  Our 2026 Easter Mission provided 162 baskets to every man, woman and child within the three Leading Families Home shelters. 

Donate Now

Snug as a Bug

Annual event where Build the Children provides pajamas and undergarments to children in need.  This is a collaborative event lead by Susie's Coats for Kids and serves over 900 children. The goal is to provide children with warm coats and clothing for the colder months. Be sure to check out "Susie's Coats for Kids" for details and updates. 

Donate Now

Birmingham Elementary School Supplies

Annual event that provides teacher specified school supplies for children attending an inner city school.  Many of the classrooms that submit a list are special needs classrooms and we are grateful to be able to accommodate educator requests.  

Donate Now

Free Book Fair and Lunch

Annual event that provides free books, small gifts such as book mark and friendship bracelets. lunch and dessert to every child in attendance.  This is a two day event for an inner city school. (Toledo, OH)

Donate Now

Build the Children - We wouldn't be here without our donors

FRIENDS OF BUILD THE CHILDREN

Many of our generous donors have helped in a variety of ways from funding projects to donating goods or expertise. Many folks are repeat supporters and the backbone of our organization: 

 


BECOME A DONOR, PARTNER, SPONSOR OR VOLUNTEER!

Make a positive impact in the life of a child! Volunteer your expertise in event planning, fund raising or grant writing, marketing or graphic arts. 

Donate either funds or goods to your favorite Mission!

Share your talents and ideas. We'd love to hear from you!

Help Our Cause

Want to help but not particular about which Mission or cause to donate to?

Or, do you prefer PayPal with a designated cause in the memo?  

We only have success because of donors like you!

Pay with PayPal or a debit/credit card

Contact Us

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Build the Children

Temperance, Michigan, United States

Buildthechildren23@gmail.com BOARD MEMBERS: Carla Prenkert: Director/Founder/President Kyle Szymanski: Treasurer Amanda Aukland: Secretary/Social Media Rebecca Knott: Secretary/Social Media Director Samantha Babcock: Board Member at Large

Moments of Build the Children : A Photo Story of Overcoming Disparity

Come and help us BUILD THE CHILDREN!!

Build the Children in Pictures: Our Journey to Changing Lives

Build the Children in Pictures: Our Journey to Changing Lives

Copyright © 2026 Build the Children  - All Rights Reserved.

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