As 2025 comes to a close, we find ourselves looking back on another remarkable year defined by transformation—not just on what we accomplished, but on what we’ve built together. It was a year defined by growth, resilience, and bold steps forward that reshaped not only our space, but the scope of what’s possible for the teachers and students we serve. We moved into a new, expanded facility in Little Canada, opening doors—literally and figuratively—to create deeper impact and more opportunities for connection and community. 

The year held so many memorable moments for our organization.

From saying goodbye to our previous facility in Roseville back in April, to our Grand Opening Week in August—where we welcomed educators, partners and supporters into our brand-new home in Little Canada—to celebrating KINF’s very own Operations and Logistics department as they were awarded the Customer Excellence Award from Estes Express, highlighting the fantastic performance from our warehouse and logistics in conjunction with theirs over the year. From beginning to end, we were hard at work all year to set the foundation for a truly inspiring environment where partnerships, new and recurring, stretched further than they ever have. To create a space where volunteers gathered to make a tangible difference in real time, and a place where more teachers than ever could walk through the aisles and feel supported.  

A new chapter in Kids In Need Foundation’s history is unfolding before all of our eyes, bringing new beginnings, expanded programs, and milestones that reflect not only the grit of all those who make our mission possible, but reflects the heart of our work—and the community that stands alongside us.

The moment we opened our doors to our new facility, everything changed. With expanded warehouse capacity to store and send out over 1,000 freight shipments—over an 88% increase of what we were able to accomplish in 2024. Our enhanced production lines with more room to build kits and host volunteers, and more efficient shipping operations, we are now equipped to serve teachers at a scale that would have been impossible only a year ago. This year, we were able to support more teachers and reach thousands of students across the country—with more on the horizon, creating more opportunities for engagement than ever before. 

That reach was made possible through our volunteers, a community that flourished with over 1,800 volunteers that joined us in 2025, filling our production floor with energy and determination. Over the course of 7,000 volunteer hours—and counting!—they helped build over 125,000 units; consisting of packing over 16,000 Supply-A-Teacher kits, assembling over 147,550 backpacks, teacher appreciation kits, Yoobi boxes, 3M community boxes, hygiene kits and countless pencil pouches destined for classrooms across the country. 

Our Teacher Resource Center blossomed in this new home. More shelves. More space. More time spent connecting. With this move we were able to increase how many educators came and utilized KINF’s services, with 1,000 more available time slots for educators a quarter. We were able to open our doors to all qualifying teachers within the state, creating a deeper impact across the entirety of Minnesota that we weren’t equipped to handle before. In the aisles of our expanded TRC, something beautiful unfolded: more teachers than ever browsed and shopped for their classes, feeling a sense of relief—knowing they didn’t have to go without, and neither did their students. 

But numbers only tell part of the story. The real impact is felt in the classrooms, in the hands of students and in the hearts of teachers who show up every day for their kids to make learning both fun and meaningful. 

Teachers like Christine Obermueller. 

For more than a decade, Christine has taught first and second graders through some of the most formative years of their lives. For her, the classroom is far more than a place to learn letters, numbers, or reading skills—it’s a space where every child can find their voice, build their confidence, and discover what they’re truly capable of. 

“I love watching their eyes light up and that brightness on their face when they realize that they did it themselves, and they can do it.”

Years in the classroom have given Christine the experience and confidence to recognize what her students need and to provide it. When not every child can arrive with a backpack full of supplies, she does everything she can to bridge that gap. “Not everybody can come in with their box of crayons and their markers, but I have everything then that I can provide… We all have what we need to succeed, to learn, to have fun. And Kids In Need gives us that every day.” With support from Kids In Need Foundation, Christine can give her students what they need to succeed.

This year, thanks to supporters like you, teachers like Christine didn’t have to do it alone. Because of our expanded space, the increased production and shipping capacity, and the outpouring of volunteer support, we were able to show up for teachers across the country in ways that truly mattered. And with our new website now live, we’re ensuring that access to our programs, resources, and opportunities in all formats is clearer, easier and more empowering than ever before. 

As we look back on 2025, one thing is certain: this was a year built on partnership, possibilities, and the belief that together, we can create classrooms where every child is equipped and prepared to learn. We are deeply proud of how far we’ve come—and even more excited for where we’re headed, together.

Among the many partners who helped fuel this year’s impact, our partnership with Corebridge Financial has continued to grow in ways that stand out as shining examples of what happens when commitment meets community, all across the country. 

Since joining us in 2023, Corebridge has steadily expanded their involvement—championing classrooms through more than just a singular initiative. Over the past year, they have contributed to supporting Kids In Need Foundation’’s mission through multiple programs like Supply A Teacher—where they became our sponsors for all SAT boxes—, Supply A Student, online donation campaigns, and urgent relief efforts through Second Responder during moments when teachers and students needed help most. This year alone, Corebridge supported over 13,000 students and over 700 educators throughout 12 different states. 

What makes Corebridge’s support especially impactful is how deeply personal it becomes through their team. Their financial advisors—many of whom work with educators through their retirement planning services—go beyond corporate commitment. They choose to show up, visiting schools, delivering kits themselves, and taking the time to meet the teachers they’re impacting face-to-face. These moments are the key to strengthening the connection between schools and the communities around them, going beyond a simple transaction into a true partnership rooted in appreciation and community. 

As we reflect on the impact made this year, and those who made it possible, we’re grateful for partners like Corebridge who don’t just align with our mission—but actively carry it forward. Their work is rooted in the shared belief that every child should have the tools they need to succeed, and that every teacher deserves unwavering support. Their growing dedication has helped ensure that thousands of students are equipped with tools, encouragement, and opportunities needed to make learning possible—showing what it looks like when corporate purposes align with educational equity. 

Together we are reaching more classrooms, uplifting more teachers, and building stronger pathways for students across the country.

Happy New Year!

As we reflect on this incredible year—new beginnings, expanded impact, powerful partnerships, and thousands of classrooms supported—we are reminded of one simple truth: none of this happens alone. It is powered by people like you who believe in the potential of every student and the dedication of every teacher.

But our work doesn’t end here. As we prepare for a new year, your support ensures we can continue filling classrooms with tools, hope, and opportunity. It ensures that Christine—and thousands more like her—can walk into their classrooms with everything they need to keep their students learning, imagining, and believing in themselves.

Let’s carry this momentum into the new year—together.

Make a year-end gift today and help us build an even brighter 2026 for classrooms across the country.