Our family was forever changed on January 15, 2008 when our daughter, Kate passed away. We knew life without her would be hard and that there would always be that ache of missing her. We never would have dreamed that a simple idea of giving away some books in her memory would blossom into what it is today. Yes, we miss her each and every day, but we have a wonderful story to tell about our little girl and the legacy built to remember her.
We are so grateful to our entire team who has come along with us, building the organization, sharing our story, giving away books and making us better each and every day.
Andy, Krista, Seth and Grant Layman
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Krista has a degree in Elementary Education and has worked as a teacher and in youth ministry. As Kate’s mother, she has a true passion for the legacy built in memory of her Kate. As director, she oversees ALL aspects of the organization including books, kart stocking, grant writing, volunteers and speaking events.
Our Board of Directors is a true working board. Whether it be planning events, balancing checkbooks, designing and proofing newsletters or deciding on policies, our board is committed to making sure Kate's Kart is a thriving, growing charity.
Our team of volunteer County Champions are Kate's Kart representatives in the 13 outlying counties we serve. They assist in keeping each county's Kart clean, organized, and stocked, and also help share the mission of Kate's Kart within their community.
“Kate’s Kart has been with our family through surgeries, a NICU stay, and all the little bumps along the way while raising two children. Their mission has touched our lives and brought so much comfort, and I am excited to pass on the same kindness that has been extended to us.”
“The power of giving is priceless, something you will forever be grateful for. I volunteer to give to others and for the satisfaction that all children will have a joyful release in their time of need."
"I am so thankful to have the opportunity to give back to Kate's Kart because they so generously gave to us during a difficult time."
"Kate's Kart is a light that is remembered for years not only by the children but by the parents who are going through a hard time with loved ones in a hospital. I love to be part of providing a smile and hope during adversity."
"Kate's Kart has played a huge part in bringing smiles and 'escape' during those dark times in the hospital for both myself and my daughter. I am so excited to be part of this organization and the opportunity to give back what Kate's Kart has given us so many times over the years."
"I first learned about Kate's Kart when my son was in the NICU. I wanted to volunteer to pay it forward, while also sharing my love of reading."
"I love being able to give back to the communities I work and live in. Kate’s Kart delivers a message of hope, peace and joy for many children across Northern Indiana. I am anxious to help support spreading that message alongside the other many great volunteers."
“Kate’s Kart offers a way for staff to comfort our young patients, and offer distraction during a stressful time for them and their family. It almost always brings a smile to give a book, and to receive a book.”
"Kate’s Kart helped us during a hard time after the stillbirth of our infant daughter. Having something to remember her by is a special gift and I am honored to pass on the love we felt from this."
“My kids have benefited from Kate’s Kart during hospital visits. I’m excited to be a part of keeping Kate’s Kart in our community to help others. Kate’s Kart is a gem in our small town hospital!”
Our team of volunteers are the face and hands of Kate's Kart. Whether they are in the hospital distributing books every month or working in the office sorting, labeling and organizing the books, we couldn't do what we do without them. Below are just a few of the over 100 volunteers we have on our team.
"Thanks to our dad, we've always had a love for reading. After learning about the mission of Kate’s Kart from our dear friend Erin, we knew we wanted to give back to the community by volunteering for this extraordinary charity."
"I really love the mission of the organization, it’s the smallest thing that be impactful on the darkest days."
"Pushing the kart within the corridors of Lutheran Hospital is one of my simplest highlights of my month. A brief smile from a child, a parent or the hospital staff member is a large payment for the simple investment of my time. Thanks Kates Kart for allowing me to assist in the Mission."
"I love spreading positivity in a place that I know firsthand can be very difficult to be."
"Seeing the smiles of the children- and their families- is my favorite! It's a small thing we give to them, a book; but it can make a BIG difference during their challenging time. Books bring joy!"
"I’m an avid reader and absolutely love anything involving babies/children. Becoming a volunteer with Kate’s Kart was the perfect fit!"
"Kate's Kart has helped our family through tricky times and I love to 'pay it forward.' These books provided such a comforting distraction that will brighten anyone's day."
"I love reading all the books. I love to see that smile on the child's face and the parents too!"
"I love seeing the smiles of both the children and their parents when they get to pick a book from the Kart. It’s an honor to give them those moments of joy through Kate’s Kart."
"I so enjoyed my different roles on the board / business side of the organization but always wanted to 'push the kart' when the timing was right. John’s retirement presented us with the perfect opportunity to do something together for a wonderful cause."
"I love seeing the parents smile as they choose a book from the Kart for their child in the NICU."
"I volunteer to provide the support, encouragement, and joy that Kate's Kart gave our family years ago. I love being able to give back to organization that gave so much to my family!"
"When a child sees Kate's Kart roll up to their door, a huge smile spreads across their face. The children are so brave and the books bring comfort to them on their hardest days. It warms my heart to be part of this organization, delivering smiles!"
"As a recently retired school librarian (and Mom and Grandma!) I love connecting kids with books and sharing the joy of reading together."
"I love seeing the smiles on the children’s faces when they receive a book. I also enjoy introducing new book characters and my favorite books to the children and their families. I also love when older children share with me some of their favorite books and characters."
"I love seeing the excitement and joy that so many patients and their parents show when they find the perfect book. If that happens just once during the time we push the Kart, that makes it all worth it!"
"I was so thrilled when I was able to join the Kate's Kart team. I love the smiles and appreciation we receive from the kids and parents. Kate's Kart is a blessing!"
"I just love to hear the excitement of a child when they see the Kart coming or I leave a room and the child is already engaged in the book. Encouraging the parents has also become a part of the job & I'm so grateful to help them during a tough time."
"Kate's Kart is an amazing organization that can bring a smile to a child's face on an otherwise awful day. I love seeing that smile from bringing a book!"
"It has always been such a heart-warming opportunity to push the Kart through the hospitals. When a child is scared, hurt or crying, the comforting diversion of a book is life changing. What a blessing!"
"I loved getting new books when I was a kid. So, I volunteer to see the smiles on the kids' faces when they get to select a brand-new, shiny book that's all their own. It's nice to see them happy and not thinking about whatever has them in the hospital that day."
"I needed something uplifting to do after my husband passed away and Kate’s Kart provided that outlet. I enjoy seeing the smiles not only on the families faces but on the nurses faces as well when choosing the books."
"After taking a field trip to the Kate's Kart office with my son, I knew I wanted to give back and volunteer with this incredible organization."
"I love sharing books with families and seeing their joy when they get to keep a new book brightens my day!"
"Volunteering for Kate's Kart allows us to serve kids and families together. We love finding that perfect book and sharing a little hope & joy with children."
"As a retired teacher, I have always loved working with and reading to children. Now I love to give new books to children!"
"I love Kate's Kart and the story behind it. Through tragedy Krista and Andy have honored their daughter's life through Kate's Kart. It is such a joy to see smiles in children's faces and know it makes a difference!"
"The joy of an excited child or parent looking over a cart full of books warms my heart!"
"Being Kate’s Nana I have been involved with Kate’s Kart from the very beginning. I push the Kart at PRMC, Dupont and Lutheran and it touches my heart to hear the comments we receive from parents and staff about what Kate’s Kart means to them and the impact it has."
"I enjoy bringing smiles to the faces of parents as they pick the perfect books for their babies in the NICU."
"I have always loved to read so I love the idea of passing out free books to children. I really enjoy interacting with the kids I encounter in the hospital and discussing books with them based on what my own children are reading or have read."
"It is so fun to feel like Santa every month of the year!"
"Books make a perfect gift for a child in the hospital, because they provide a wonderful distraction from all the worry and pain they are experiencing. It’s a joy to see the bright smiles that light up their faces when they receive a book from Kate’s Kart."
"I love when the kids get so excited when the Kart comes to their room. It truly brings these kids joy at such a dark time. I also think that it brings hope to the parents. For them to realize that here are people they don’t know willing to do something for their kids means so much to them."
