The Little Bit Foundation Celebrates 25 Years

The St. Louis-based nonprofit marks a quarter-century of providing essential resources to students in local schools.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Philanthropy

The Little Bit Foundation Celebrates 25 Years

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The Little Bit Foundation recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, commemorating its long-term commitment to assisting students in need across St. Louis and the Metro East. The organization marked the milestone with its Join the Journey Gala on Oct. 9.

Why it matters

Founded to provide winter coats to children, the group has expanded significantly to address the broad medical, behavioral, and educational needs of thousands of students. It remains a fixture in the local charitable landscape through its work across 64 schools.

The foundation currently serves 18,000 students across 64 schools in St. Louis and the Metro East. This year, the organization marked 25 years of active service in the region.

The players

Miranda Walker Jones

She has served as the president and CEO of The Little Bit Foundation since 2021.

Rosemary Hanley

She is one of the two original founders of The Little Bit Foundation.

Elise Tierney

She is one of the two original founders of The Little Bit Foundation.

Operation Food Search

This organization has partnered with The Little Bit Foundation since 2013 to address food insecurity.

The details

The foundation provides essential aid including shoes, school supplies, books, hygiene products, and food, the latter of which is supported by a 2013 partnership with Operation Food Search. The nonprofit was recognized for its efforts by receiving the Best Local Non-Profit award in The St. Louis American's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards.

2001: The Little Bit Foundation was founded.
2013: The foundation began its partnership with Operation Food Search.
2021: Miranda Walker Jones was appointed president and CEO.
2026: The foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Oct. 9, 2026: The organization hosted its Join the Journey Gala.

Market Landscape

This recognition follows the pattern set by other winners of The St. Louis American's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards. The foundation's receipt of the award highlights its established standing among local non-profit entities.

Local families and students in the 64 served schools continue to receive direct assistance through the organization's supply and health programs. Community members can monitor the foundation's gala announcements for future opportunities to support these student resources.

The takeaway

The foundation demonstrates how a focused mission can scale to address complex student needs over two decades. Residents looking to support local education can look to the foundation's model for consistent, multi-faceted aid delivery.