Some weeks feel like a new chapter being written in real time–and for Kids In Need Foundation, August 11th-15th was one of those weeks. 

During our Grand Opening celebration, we gathered not only to welcome 1,000 teachers into our new Teacher Resource Center flagship in Little Canada, Minnesota, but also to honor 30 years of impact—3 decades of equipping students, celebrating teachers, and building community. The atmosphere was electric; teachers streaming through the doors, volunteers ready at every corner, and partners standing proudly alongside us. 

The week opened with a ceremony that captured both reflection and inspiration, with our speakers touching on the importance of educational support, in every sense of the meaning. Michael Houston, 2023 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, spoke about the importance of educational equity, especially in a time of funding cuts and tight budgets—sharing, “I truly believe access is the foundation of equity.” Amy Mousel-Houston gave our audience firsthand insight into real schools as she shared personal testimonials from the classroom. Alongside them, Heather Green, Global Portfolio President of Consumer Business Group at 3M (our Grand Opening’s presenting sponsor), spoke about the integral importance of access to educational resources for all, and Corey Gordon, KINF’s CEO, shared his personal connection to the mission and reflected on how far we’ve come and the possibilities ahead.

By the end of the week, partners were shown our vision of the future, volunteers were filled with a sense of purpose, and teachers had walked through the doors of this new space and left with carts full of supplies and lifted spirits. It was a week that reminded us why we do this work—and why the next 30 years hold so many opportunities and the promise of continuity. 

The Grand Opening marked more than the launch of the new building–it was a celebration of possibility. For three decades, KINF has been working to ensure that every child is equipped to learn, and every teacher supplied with the right tools, and this new Teacher Resource Center is a bold new step towards that mission. 

For years, we have envisioned a space that could keep pace with the growing needs of teachers and students across the country. This new center is that vision coming to life. With more room, more resources, and more opportunities for connection, it represents the future of our mission; reaching further, serving more, and continuing to stand with educators. 

Throughout the week, teachers walked the aisles with excitement, filling their carts with supplies they once had to buy themselves. Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to lend a helping hand and kept the center running smoothly. Donors and partners gaining the opportunity to see firsthand the importance of their support and the impact it has day in and day out. Each day carried the same theme—gratitude, encouragement, and the promise of what’s ahead. Together, with our partners and volunteers by our side, we are able to show what’s possible when communities come together around education. 

Words can only capture so much, which is why we want you to see what’s possible, too. That’s why we invite you to see for yourself. Our Grand Opening highlight video brings the week to life—a chance to relive, or experience for the first time, the excitement, the emotion, and the celebration of a week that will stand as one of the most meaningful in our history. 

The success of this milestone was made possible by many: the donors who gave generously, the volunteers who gave their time, and the staff who poured their hearts into every detail. Together, we turned a vision into reality—and for that, we are endlessly grateful.

Our new headquarters aren’t just about distribution—it’s about creating community. It’s a gathering space. A hub of inspiration, learning and connection. A setting where opportunities for connection come alive. 

During Grand Opening week, we saw exactly what that can look like. 

Throughout the week, Kids In Need Foundation was able to host authors from around the Twin Cities to come in, connect with teachers, and share their stories—literally! We welcomed Matt Eicheldinger, former teacher, social media personality and author of Sticky Notes, who spoke to a group of educators about the lessons and laughter that fills the classroom. In a room full of educators, his stories resonated deeply—reminding teachers that the impact of their work often shows up in the small, everyday moments, and sometimes long after the lesson ends. 

We also were joined by Kiki Garcia, a remarkable 10-year-old author who published her first book at the age of 9. She signed and passed out copies of her debut book, Fishing by Torchlight, to teachers in the TRC. When asked how she was doing signing the many copies of her book for the countless teachers who lined up to meet her, she said, “I’m writing something different in each one because I want them to be unique.” One teacher had her young children in tow with her, their eyes going wide when they heard that Kiki was their age and was already an accomplished writer. Not only did Kiki share her story with the teachers, she shared the spark of creativity and confidence that lives in every student—that they see every day. Encouraging teachers and students alike to have the courage to go after their dreams. 

These events are just the beginning of what’s now possible. With our new, larger space, we now have the capacity to host more authors, speakers and celebrations of learning. It’s a future where inspiration is as accessible as supplies—where teachers are able to gather, be celebrated, and reminded that their work is both valued and vital.

Join Our Mission

The Grand Opening was a celebration of the past 30 years and a bold step into the future. It was a reminder of what happens when communities come together around a shared purpose: that every child deserves to have the tools they need to succeed, and every teacher deserves to feel supported in the work they do. Our work is only possible because of you—our donors, partners, volunteers and staff who believe in this mission and continue to power it forward. 

As we look ahead, we invite you to keep building with us. Watch the video, share the stories, and continue to stand with us as we expand our reach and deepen our impact. Our best is yet to come, and together we can make sure educators and students alike have everything they need to thrive and succeed.