The Next Chapter Begins: 21 Years of Champions for Kids and Counting
What began with a life-altering phone call in November 2004...when a teacher urgently sought help for a young boy named Daniel, who had been living alone in an abandoned house...sparked something far greater than a moment of rescue. It sparked a movement.
From that single act of compassion, Champions for Kids was born, rooted in the belief that no child should face hardship alone...and that real impact comes through community, consistency, and care.
Reflecting on Year 20: A Season of Expansion and Joy
In 2024, Champions for Kids proudly celebrated its 20th year by serving 16 incredible K-8 partner schools across Northwest Arkansas through our “I FINISHED STRONG! Reading Champion”™ program.
We gathered at the Springdale Convention Center for our Holiday Festival—a festive celebration exclusively for our partner schools filled with themed activities, overflowing gift bags, holiday treats, joyful games, and meaningful moments shared between families, educators, and community champions.
And for the first time, we took the joy on the road with our Polar Express School Deliveries, surprising every one of our 16 schools with wagons full of treasures, classroom celebrations, and encouragement for teachers and students alike.
Together with our community partners, we delivered not only toys...but hope, recognition, and belonging.
Year 21: We've Grown, and So Has the Impact
In 2025, we are moving to a new home: the Rogers Convention Center, where we’ll serve over 1,500 children, families, educators, and community partners...a major leap from last year!
We’ve grown from 16 to 21 partner schools, each one a vital part of our mission to strengthen literacy, spark confidence, and celebrate students who are finishing strong; academically and in life.
This year’s Champions for Kids Holiday Festival, happening December 13, promises even more joy, creativity, and connection. From the return of our spirited Rudolph Award competition between Walmart’s Food, Toy, Home, and Sam’s Club Teams to jaw-dropping themed experiences built by suppliers and volunteers, this event is becoming a Northwest Arkansas holiday tradition like no other.
Celebrating 20 Years of Impact: A Heartfelt Journey with Champions for Kids
In November 2004, Champions for Kids emerged from a life-altering phone call received by Adelaide Schaeffer during her morning drive. Two weeks before Christmas, a teacher urgently sought a home for a young boy named Daniel, who had been living alone in an abandoned house after losing both parents to tragic circumstances.
This marked the commencement of a two-decade-long journey, during which Champions for Kids expanded its reach to assist numerous children facing similar challenges. The organization's foundation was established on the recognition that addressing the multifaceted needs of children requires a commitment to providing help for all.
Shifting from a focus on problems to solutions, Champions for Kids acknowledges collaboration as essential to addressing the intricate needs of children. The organization's core values, centered around caring individuals, a sense of belonging, hope, and provisions for every child's journey, have remained steadfast throughout its 20-year history.
As we celebrate this significant milestone, Champions for Kids is excited to share that we have joined forces with Walmart's Spark Good Program. This collaboration further strengthens our commitment to creating positive impacts on children's lives. Explore our profile on Walmart's Spark Good Program here to learn more about this exciting partnership.
The 1st Annual Holiday Festival was held at the Springdale Holiday Inn Convention Center, bringing joy, laughter, and lasting memories to teachers and families from 15 K-8 schools in Northwest Arkansas participating in the I FINISHED STRONG! Reading Champion™ program.
More than just a festive event, the Holiday Festival served as a celebration of literacy and community. Over 500 Holiday Gift Bags, Christmas trees adorned with presents, and wagons of treats for teachers reminded everyone of the power of coming together for a greater purpose.
Champions for Kids proudly continues its core programs - I FINISHED STRONG! and Books, Bears & Blankets - sponsored by Adventure Subaru and supported by generous partners like the Walmart Foundation. These efforts provide critical resources for students, including those experiencing crisis or homelessness.
What began with a single phone call has grown into a movement - 20 years strong, championing children’s well-being and brighter futures. Thank you for being part of the story and helping us build a world where every child can thrive.