Danielle and Kyron Green, Executive Director The GiveJoy Foundation is a nonprofit that’s all about helping educators, students, and families live healthier, happier lives. Danielle Cunningham says she started it in 2008 “to empower kids, families, and educators with the resources and tools necessary to nurture their physical health, mental wellness, character growth, food security, and active lifestyles.” What began as a small local project has now grown into an organization helping thousands of people across Central Texas. “It all began with a simple belief that every child deserves joy, wellness, and the support of a caring community,” Danielle says. “We wanted to help meet the everyday needs of students and families, offering essentials along with a little encouragement and care. Over time, that small effort turned into a nonprofit focused on holistic wellness, nutrition, and bringing communities closer together.We’re on a mission to create brighter futures by giving communities the tools they need to thrive—whether that’s physically, mentally, or emotionally. We believe every child and family should have access to support, opportunities, and a sense of well-being, so we work to build strong, resilient communities full of joy, character, food security and active living.” To date, GiveJoy has donated over $1 million in support of our local communities, including refreshing two school campuses, donating over 100 bicycles to kids, distributing over 16,000 Joy Boxes and more. The JoyBox program was launched at partner schools across Central Texas to tackle food insecurity. “These snack boxes, designed by the students themselves, include a healthy drink, a carb-rich snack, and a protein-packed bar—giving kids the nutrients they need to boost their mood and focus,” Danielle says, adding, “By involving students in creating the boxes, we also hope to ease stress and negative feelings, while making sure healthy snacks are easy to get. It’s all about helping kids feel their best so they can show up ready to learn and thrive.” Looking ahead Danielle says, “We’ve grown from a grassroots effort into a mission-driven organization with strong values and a commitment to expanding our impact. As we evolve, our focus is on building a stronger network of partners—corporations, nonprofits, and individuals—who share our dedication to supporting children and families. In Texas, where over one in five children live in poverty, too many lack access to nutritious food, physical activity and developmental opportunities. We believe every child deserves a chance to thrive, and we’re working to create that future through collaboration, compassion, and community.” Check out their website https://givejoyfoundation.org/ or follow them on Instagram at @GiveJoyFoundaiton to find ways you can get involved and help, including whether via financial contributions like their High Five campaign, which is a recurring $5 monthly donation to support children and families, or volunteering at events like their annual Summer of Joy Raffle, their Grow & Give Back Holiday Drive program—which provides children with $100 worth of gifts and a prepared meal— or their upcoming inaugural Swing for Joy golf tournament.
“It all began with a simple belief that every child deserves joy, wellness, and the support of a caring community" - founder Danielle Cunningham