Child's Self PortraitThe Little Bit Foundation (TLBF) was born in 2001 out of a small request from an inner-city school teacher and has grown into serving over 3,000 students in 13 schools throughout the St. Louis area. TLBF’s 100+ volunteers develop strong partnerships with sponsored schools to offer consistent, empowering hope to children in need.  Our presence in the schools, working one-on-one with each child, combined with providing basic necessities such as clothing, shoes and coats, and ensures each child’s personal dignity. Our program breaks down the barriers to learning and succeeding.  This consistent interaction, combined with these basic necessities has the power to change lives.

At the sponsored schools over 90% of the students qualify for the Federal Free Lunch Program, which means that they are at or near the poverty level.   Most schools have a mobility rate of 50% or higher. (Mobility Rate is a measure of how many students are transferring in and out of a school.)  This mobility rate means that the work of TLBF is constant throughout the school year as students transfer in to the schools.  They may arrive with just the clothing on their backs and nothing else.

The Little Bit Foundation is unique from other organizations that serve the poor children of St. Louis.  We do not just deliver items and leave.  TLBF diligently maintains a consistent, personal partnership with each school and faculty member it teams up with. We feel that having a consistent presence in the schools offers stability, and confidence that we will continue to help those in need as long as there is a need. 

Stronger TogetherTLBF also makes a comprehensive effort to be inclusive of other charities and organizations to best meet the needs of all children it serves.  We look to partner with these organizations to meet needs that are beyond the scope of our Foundation. This allows the Foundation to keep our passionate focus on each child’s well being, proving that every person can make an impact in a child’s life.It just takes a “little bit” to help!

By helping these children in St. Louis area schools to become more attentive learners and well-rounded young people, their greater communities are impacted. The effects of TLBF are widespread in the communities that it serves. The example set by the volunteers builds trust within the community by crossing cultural barriers and proving that because this organization cares enough to reach out, they in turn, can do the same for others. TLBF’s actions combat existing ignorance by providing education and opportunities for the future of the community- its children.

TLBF received its 501(c)(3) designation in July 2006.