Honoring Katie’s Legacy
Spreading Kindness & Life Experiences, One Person at a Time.
Katie’s Kindness is dedicated to supporting children, families, and those experiencing homelessness in Burlington, Vermont and beyond.
About Katie
Katherine Grace Hartnett, born June 2, 1998, in Burlington, Vermont, was a dedicated educator, compassionate advocate for the homeless, and talented athlete. She was well known for her empathy and leadership, teaching, humanitarian work, and sports. Her life, while tragically cut short on July 15, 2023, lives on through the kindness her namesake foundation is spreading.
Where Success Begins…
How Donations Make an Impact on Eradicating Homelessness.
Homelessness is a growing problem everywhere in the world today. Our donations and volunteers allow individuals to have a safe and warm place to sleep, eat a healthy meal, and have access to programs that help them learn the skills and support needed to reintegrate back into employment and housing, thus, success and happiness.
How Making Beds Get Children off the Floor.
Many people do not realize there are children all around the world that do not have beds to sleep in every night. Many of them are on couches, on floors, or sharing beds. Through our donations and volunteerism, we assist children to get off the floor with their own bed, sheets, pillow and blanket. There is no better feeling than to see how thankful a child is for the littlest things in life.
How Backpacks Change the Future for Childen
In order for children to succeed in life, they need to have the correct tools to help them succeed. That starts with their school supplies! The supplies allow them to learn everything they can to be successful in school and, eventually, the world. The last thing children should stress about is not having what they need to perform in school and to complete their homework.
Volunteer Testimonials
“Volunteering for Katie’s Kids is a way for me to honor Katie while supporting Dave and Lisa’s effort to continue her legacy.”
“Katie was one of the most compassionate people ever and to be able to help carry on her caring and giving nature is a very special part of our life.”
“I love to volunteer for Katie’s kids. I want to make sure everybody hears Katie’s voice, and what she truly believed in!”
“Katie’s kids embodies everything our sweet friend Katie stood for and loved. I couldn’t be more proud and honored to be a part of and lend my support to such a caring, giving community.”
“We enjoy volunteering with Katie’s Kids because it allows us to give back and make a positive impact in our community. Being part of an organization that truly cares about children and families is both meaningful and rewarding to us.”
Frequently Asked Questions
-
A great way to get involved is by volunteering, donating, attending events, or sharing our mission. Your support directly helps children and families in need, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Send us an email at admin@katieskindness.org. We would love to hear from you!
-
We offer a variety of opportunities for people to volunteer at events, such as at our annual golf tournament, packing and handing out back-to-school supplies to thankful children, serving meals, 50/50 raffle at a Lake Monster’s game, and/or support other foundations achieve their goals that align with the goals of Katie’s Kindness.
-
Katie’s Kindness offers stability, safety, and financial support to those facing hardship. The goal is to eradicate homelessness by providing safe spaces to sleep, have healthy meals and learn the skills necessary to re-integrate back into employment and housing. This mission is a continuance of the passion Katie cared deeply about. If you would like to serve meals at Katie’s House, please contact Emily Plasse at 802-540-1239 or email her at eplasse@cvoeo.org.
-
Scholarship recipients must be a student at Burlington High School or a student from any other school in Vermont whose parent is an employee of the Burlington School District. They must exemplify kindness and passion for need-based individuals and communities. The goal is for recipients to grow and spread that kindness and passion as Katie did. Scholarships will be awarded on an objective and non-discriminatory basis, with a financial need, and strong academic performance and volunteerism. The funds must be used for higher education only.
-
You can donate securely through our website in various ways or simply mailing a check to P.O. Box 3102, Burlington, VT 05408. Every contribution is tax deductible and helps children, families and/or individuals experiencing homelessness. It is noted that our organization does not have paid employees, so you know your donation is going to our supported programs as much as possible.
-
Yes, our online donation system allows you to easily set up automatic monthly gifts. Recurring donations help us provide consistent, year-round support to those in need.
-
You can learn more by exploring our website, following us on social media, or joining our newsletter distribution list. We're always available if you’d like to contact our team directly. You can email us at admin@katieskindness.org. We would love to hear from you!
-
The Celebration of Trees is hosted by ANEW Place during the Christmas season, usually at the University Mall. The space has numerous trees decorated by local businesses, churches and individuals. Each tree is unique and contains a wide range of gifts that sit on or underneath the decorated trees.
Visitors can purchase raffle tickets that are then used to put in raffle boxes to win their favorite tree. The winners receive the entire tree and all the gifts on or under the tree. All proceeds benefit ANEW Place. This is a unique way of supporting a need-based organization, while creating some Christmas cheer for the visitors.