COMMUNITY & CULTURE
NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT
Care To Learn
B
usinessman and philanthropist Doug Pitt continues to invest time
and resources in the St. Louis region with his nonprofit, Care to
Learn. What started as a grassroots effort in Springfield, Missouri,
has grown into 25 chapters across the state, providing health, hunger and
hygiene needs. Doug shared his vision and passion with “Gazelle.”
G: What inspired you to launch Care to Learn?
Doug: Hearing statistics on poverty in Missouri, I was shocked at
the number of families in need. But the hook was hearing stories of a
fifth grade boy being made fun of for having to wear his mom’s jeans to
school. There were a lot of other stories that affected me, but this is one
I couldn’t shake. At that time, a $35 pair of jeans was all he wanted, and
what an easy fix that could be.
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G: Who is at the front line of the organization as far as
reaching the children in need?
Doug: Every Care to Learn chapter has a liaison who runs quarterback
for the program in his or her school. But it is a global effort in finding
these kids in need - bus drivers, cooks, counselors, teachers, parents,
other kids, etc.
G: What are your goals and plans for the St. Louis region?
Doug: We have an amazing advisory board in St. Louis, with our newest
member being Jackie Joyner-Kersee. We are also excited to announce
the hiring of a regional director for St. Louis. We currently have three
chapters in Warrenton, Hazelwood and St. Charles, and are talking to
prospective new chapters at this time.
G: What are the biggest challenges you face as a nonprofit?
Doug: For Care to Learn, it has been managing our growth. We are very
G: How can the community help?
Doug: Care To Learn is about providing emergent health, hunger and
entrepreneurial in our approach and adding new chapters regularly. But
we recognize we need smart growth. It is imperative that every chapter be
sustainable. A lot of effort goes into the support system for each chapter.
hygiene help to children, immediately and confidentially. We are able
to provide $1 of services for every $1 donated – 100 percent. We have
the infrastructure to meet kids’ needs – but it does take funding. Having
companies, clubs, churches and individuals directing fundraising and
personal contributions is how we have been so successful.
To learn more about Care to Learn and how you can make a difference, visit
www.caretolearnfund.org.
GAZELLE STL