About Kate’s Kart
Every hospital stay is hard – on kids and on the people who love them. Kate’s Kart brings comfort, connection, and a positive distraction through the simple gift of a brand-new book
books From The Heart
Our Mission Statement
Through the gifting of new books, Kate’s Kart strives to provide a comforting diversion to hospitalized children and their families, and to foster a love of books, and ultimately literacy, by encouraging children to read and caregivers to read to their children.
What We Do
Kate’s Kart volunteers and hospital partners help place carefully selected, brand-new books into the hands of children (ages 0–18) during hospital visits and stays. Books are simply the tool used to encourage and brighten the day of hospitalized children. Though the simple gift may immediately bring a smile and a level of comfort to the patient, long-lasting effects are seen for both the child and their families.
Comfort & distraction in tough moments
Books help kids feel calmer, occupied, and cared for in an overwhelming environment.
A choice kids control
Choosing a book gives pediatric patients agency on days when most decisions are made for them.
Connection for families
Reading together creates closeness, routine, and conversation—especially when families need it most.
Support for NICU bonding
Books give parents a meaningful way to interact with newborns, including babies they may not be able to hold.
Literacy that doesn’t stop for hospitalization
Books help children stay engaged with reading during time away from school and normal routines.
Watch Us Grow
Our Impact
With each passing year, we’re able to reach more hospitalized children across Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio—more consistently and more meaningfully. We’re deeply grateful to every volunteer, nurse, and hospital staff member who helps place a book into a child’s hands.
as of 7/1/2026
Throughout Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio
Filled and pushed by volunteers and hospital staff
In Indiana & Ohio
Why Books. Why Hospitals. Why Kate’s Kart
Baby Kate’s Story
Kate’s Kart began with one little girl who loved books during long hospital stays—especially on days when being held wasn’t possible. Her story is the heart behind our name, but the mission has grown so that every hospitalized child can experience the comfort of story and the joy of a new book.
Help Support our mission
When you donate to Kate’s Kart, a hospitalized child receives comfort and joy in an oftentimes scary and unfamiliar environment. The simple, yet powerful gift of a new book transforms hospitals stays, and creates lifelong readers, connected families, and united communities. Will you make a difference today?