Turning Pages, Changing Lives: How Kate’s Kart Brings Comfort and Courage to Hospitalized Children

In hospitals where fear and uncertainty often linger, something special happens when Kate’s Kart, a Community Funds grant recipient, rolls in. A child lights up. A caregiver takes a breath. A story begins.  

For over 16 years, Kate’s Kart has been quietly transforming the hospital experience for thousands of young children. What may seem like a simple act, offering a free book to a child, has transformed into a movement that touches families across Indiana. In 2024 alone, Kate’s Kart distributed over 52,000 books, 4,350 more than the year before, putting them on track to gift their half-millionth book this year.

“This organization is such a blessing,” says Chico Pranger, an RN with more than 30 years of experience. “When a child arrives in a scary place, the sight of Kate’s Kart eases some of their anxiety. It becomes an instant connection and an icebreaker between the child and the medical staff. We walk in and immediately ask, ‘What book did you get from Kate’s Kart?’ It changes everything.”

That single book doesn’t just brighten a hospital stay – it starts a ripple effect.

In Kosciusko County alone, Kate’s Kart distributed nearly 2,750 books to children last year. Books go home with kids, becoming treasured parts of their growing home libraries. Siblings share them, grandparents read them aloud, and countless young patients rediscover joy, courage, and imagination through their pages.

Meet Courtney: 14 Years of Kate’s Kart

Courtney, shown above, received her first book from Kate’s Kart back in 2011 in memory of local Kosciusko boy, Austin McCleary. As just a toddler then, Courtney couldn’t have known how deeply Kate’s Kart would become part of her journey. Now 16, she still receives books from the Kart, and she gives back.

This past year, Courtney’s junior year, she was a member of KYLA (Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy) and proudly chose Kate’s Kart as her nonprofit to support. She even stepped onto the stage in Dancing with the Stars 2024, selecting Kate’s Kart as her charity of choice.

“Kate’s Kart has been a vital part of all the treatment she’s endured and has helped shape her caring heart,” says Renda Brower. “Kate’s legacy lives on through so many kids.”

As Kate’s Kart nears its milestone of 500,000 books given, one thing is clear: every page turned brings comfort, courage, and connection. And in the quiet corners of hospitals, Kate’s Kart continues to write a story of hope.