Kidzz Helping Kidzz

Kidzz Helping Kidzz: A Youth-Led Nonprofit Organization

Our History, Mission, and Purpose:

Kidzz Helping Kidzz is a youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to giving hope and joy to children in need while inspiring a culture of kindness, empathy, and mutual support within our communities. The organization was born out of the compassion of Zach Darner, who, at just 7 years old, sought a way to give back to children facing hardships. Zach’s inspiration stemmed from a personal experience when his infant brother was critically ill and hospitalized. During this challenging time, Zach’s desire to bring comfort to children in similar situations led to the idea of delivering new toys to children at their hospital bedsides.

Founded in 2016, Kidzz Helping Kidzz has grown into a vibrant youth-driven initiative. In 2018, the organization formed the Advisory Board, a group of 15 youth members aged 10-17, who now lead the organization’s programs and charitable efforts. Since its inception, Kidzz Helping Kidzz has distributed over 67,000 toys to children at local hospitals, including St. Michael Medical Center, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, Swedish Medical Center, St. Anthony Hospital and St. Francis hospital. The toys provided to children in these healthcare settings help alleviate feelings of isolation, anxiety, and loneliness, making their medical experiences a little brighter.

As the organization continued to grow, the Advisory Board recognized the rising issue of food insecurity among youth. In 2018, the Advisory Board expanded Kidzz Helping Kidzz’s focus to include combating hunger in the community. This effort began with partnerships with the Bremerton Backpack Brigade and the Central Kitsap Backpack 4 Kids program, packing food for low-income students. Since 2023, the organization has hosted two food drives, collecting over 8,200lbs of food to support low-income families in Bremerton and South Kitsap.

At its core, Kidzz Helping Kidzz remains dedicated to empowering young people to lead positive change while meeting the immediate needs of children and families in the community.

Conclusion:

Kidzz Helping Kidzz continues to grow and thrive as a youth-led organization committed to making a difference in the lives of children and families in need. Through toy drives, food drives, and various partnerships, we have been able to provide tangible support to those facing difficult circumstances, while empowering youth to take on leadership roles and make meaningful contributions to their community. As we continue to expand our efforts, we remain inspired by the kindness, generosity, and compassion of the young leaders who make it all possible.