ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- On May 10, the City of St. Petersburg will celebrate the achievements of a Mouse.
More specifically The Kind Mouse. The local charity helps feed hungry children and families whose lives have been disrupted by joblessness and poverty.
Gina Wilkins started the charity and named the charity after the “Mouse” nickname her father gave her when she was just a baby.
The Kind Mouse respects the confidentiality and privacy of those it helps. It caters to people trying to maintain pride as they attempt to keep their families whole.
“They’re at the point where they need a loaf of bread,” says Wilkins, who used to own an architectural firm before answering the call and starting a food pantry. “That’s horrible. These are professional people.”
The Kind Mouse also provides weekend “Mouse Nibbles” snacks for chronically hungry children at four local schools. It survives thanks to donors and volunteers, whom range in age from 3 to 87.
Wilkins is particularly inspired by Kids Feeding Kids, the youth of today gearing up for the needs of tomorrow. She has programs for kids of all ages to get involved.
“So many people have embraced this Mouse,” says Wilkins. “It’s the best job I’ve ever had.”
For more information on how you can help The Kind Mouse, visit www.thekindmouse.org.
