Spirit of St. Louis Women’s Fund Sponsor’s a Little Bit School


Spirit of St. Louis Women's FundFounded in 2006 The Spirit of St. Louis Women's Fund (SOS) strengthens the St. Louis community through informed, focused grant making by educating and inspiring women to engage in significant giving.

The SOS Women’s Fund looks to respond to urgent and critical needs throughout the St. Louis community where their funding can make an important difference. They do not limit grant making to women’s causes and award grants to organizations in the areas of Arts and Culture, Education, Environment, Health and Social Services.  SOS Core Values are Equality, diversity, impact, education, collaboration, leadership and connection Since 2007, SOS has awarded over $500,000 to 41 organizations.

Spirit of St. Louis WOmen's Fund
Pictured left to right:
Vicki Sheehan, Rose Hanley and Leslie Corey

Last year, The Little Bit Foundation was thrilled to be the recipient of a generous grant from SOS to sponsor a new school.  This past November, Little Bit took on Bryan Hill Elementary located in North St. Louis.  Bryan Hill has 208 students, 100% of whom qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Meal Program.  That means that every student at Bryan Hill is at or below the poverty level.  The need for Little Bit’s Services are urgent and comprehensive.

However, the principal and staff at Bryan Hill know that their kids need much more than just stuff.  When asked what impact he thought Little Bit might have at Bryan Hill, Principal Dr. Jerome Woodson replied, “The most important impact Little Bit will have is that my kids will know that someone out there cares for them.  That there are people who want to help them.”

The Little Bit school reps truly take the time to look each child in the eye and assess their needs.  One little girl came to the Little Bit Boutique for a backpack.  While there, she told the reps that her feet always felt like bugs were biting them.  The Reps measured her at a size 7 ½ ….the shoes she was wearing were size 4! 

Suspecting that this little girl had more unmet needs, they asked to see her coat.  It was ripped from the arm to the bottom.  Little Bit was able to give her a new one.  She also received new clothing.   Because of the caring attention paid by Little Bit, this little girl received not just the clothing, shoes and supplies that she needed, she also left the Boutique knowing that there were people who truly cared about her.

In her own words….. “Dear Little Bit Foundation, Thank You.  Thank you for the stuff animals and books thanks for my backpack, coat, shoes and clothes.  You have been so nice to me.  You make me believe in myself.”

“We are really making a difference at Bryan Hill Elementary,” says Elise Tierney, Co-Founder.  “We are so thankful to SOS, because without their generosity, we would not be able to serve these students.  SOS is truly changing the lives of the children at Bryan Hill Elementary.