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POLK COUNTY—This summer, thanks to a generous grant from the Polk County Community Foundation and matching funds from a group of supporters, Champions for Wildlife will distribute Sunshine & Smiles kits to out-of-school children. 

During a time when many kids have limited access to structured learning, these kits offer hands-on art and wildlife activities that encourage outdoor exploration and creativity. 

“At Champions for Wildlife, we inspire a deep love for wildlife in children through the power of art and education,” said CFW co-founder Loti Woods. “While this mission often takes root inside classrooms, where students dive into engaging wildlife lessons and create vibrant artworks they can proudly share, there’s now a new way for this inspiration to reach children beyond the school walls. Enter the Sunshine and Smiles Kits.”

Designed for at-home learning and creativity, over 500 Sunshine & Smile kits were distributed last December to children in need, including children in foster care and families affected by Helene. Distributed through partners at Outreach and Polk County Health & Human Resources, each kit became a doorway to wonder, allowing kids to connect and heal with nature in their backyards.

Woods shared a story about a recent student interaction with a Champions for Wildlife program.

“While teaching at a local elementary school last month, a young girl ran up to Alexis, our education manager, and asked, wide-eyed, ‘Are you the people who sent me the red wolf box?’ 

She pulled two red wolf photos from her backpack—part of our Sunshine and Smiles kit, which she had received while in foster care,” Woods explained. “Then she said something Alexis will never forget: ‘It’s one of my most favorite things I’ve ever gotten.’”

By bringing the natural world directly to children, Champions for Wildlife provides a healthy, screen-free alternative that keeps them engaged, curious, and connected to nature during the summer months. 

To support Sunshine & Smiles kits, visit championsforwildlife.org/sunshine-smiles. If interested in helping assemble kits, contact emma@championsforwildlife.org.