A Message from our Founder, Kelly
When my kids were babies, it was difficult enough to keep them fed, bathed, and entertained, let alone plan out engaging creative and educational projects for them. That was part of my motivation for opening Minni—I wanted to take that stress off parents by offering fun but meaningful and skill-building projects for kids, as well as an opportunity for parents to come together in our space to decompress from the daily grind.
And all of that, of course, was before this unprecedented year of pandemic protocols, home-schooling, and political upheaval. Personally, I’ve never spent as much time as I have this year with my own kids. And while there are ways I’m grateful for these unexpectedly special moments, I also realize how much I took for granted in the “before” time—not least, the time they spent at school and various activities that allowed me some space!
This year has made me realize there are a lot of things I’ve taken for granted, and that I’m fortunate to be safe, healthy, supported (distantly) by friends and family near and far, and in a position to help others. There are hundreds of families in our local community that are not as fortunate, and I’m excited that we’ve partnered with local nonprofit Room To Grow to help support them. Room to Grow works to counter the service gaps that exist for low-income families before they encounter the pre-K and K-12 education systems, by providing support to families with babies and toddlers at a critical time in their development.
You’ve been so generous this year in your support of Minni (hello, we kind of launched multiple new businesses this year, including online retail, take-home kits, and virtual programming, and we couldn’t have done it without you!). Now I’m asking you to show up one more time, for families in need.
There are several ways to help:
Donate new or used items to Room to Grow families. While you’re busy Kondoing your closets this winter, set aside items that meet these requirements. You can drop them in one of our collection bins during regular business hours or contact us to coordinate a drop.
Donate creative kits to a Room to Grow family. It’s our goal to send 200 kits out for the holidays. Help us meet that goal!
Sign up for our virtual fundraiser workshop in January and donate whatever you can when you sign up.
Donate directly to Room to Grow.
Thank you again for your continued support of Minni, and of our community. We’re not giving up on our mission to empower little ones to design great things.
Happy Thanksgiving.
kelly x Team Minni