The Frist Art Museum in downtown Nashville served as the perfect venue for this year’s Love Helps holiday luncheon. Not only did we gather to celebrate our longstanding partnership with the nonprofit, but we were also honored as their Corporate Partner of the Year.

Walking into the banquet room, we were greeted with a cozy ambiance, dim lighting, and live piano music. Dean Baker, the Executive Director of Love Helps, took the stage to welcome and thank everyone for being there to support his company’s mission. What followed was a program filled with smiles, tears, and stories of hope.

Since founding Love Helps in 1995, Dean and his wife, Cindy, have been devoted to addressing a critical need in our community: helping children thrive. Love Helps reaches 4,000 elementary students across Metropolitan Nashville by offering programs designed to foster literacy and build character. These programs create a positive influence for students in the classroom through books and valuable life lessons learned from the stories read to them. Teachers are given access to tools and materials that encourage positive behavior for their students while increasing valuable communication with their parents.

Each year, more than 300 volunteers lend their time and hearts to this cause, reading to students, sending them letters of encouragement, and coordinating events.

As the program continued, Cindy took the stage to highlight the heart of Love Helps’ impact. She provided a beautiful connection point for everyone in attendance by talking about how every child wants to be seen and heard, but for some of them, that’s absent at home. Thanks to Love Helps, children at school are met with wonderful opportunities to engage in reading and learning, while being seen and heard. Michael W. Smith’s hit song, “A Place In This World,” swelled in the background, setting the perfect tone as photos of beaming students filled the screen. Their smiles were framed by books and homemade artwork thanking volunteers for believing in them. Alongside these images were video testimonials from grateful teachers, sharing how the programs have made a meaningful difference in their classrooms. Cindy then introduced the three cornerstone programs that embody the mission of Love Helps.

Three Programs That Make an Impact

Leading by Reading fosters literacy by providing character-building books that are relatable to their students. In fact, last year, one student who had severe anxiety began to open up to his teachers after a book was read to him where the main character struggled with a “worry monster.” The student connected the feelings in his stomach and learned new coping skills.

Triple A Achiever Awards celebrate students who excel in Academics, Attendance, and Attitude. These awards aren’t just handed out – they’re earned. However, it’s not about getting the highest grades. These awards offer all students the chance to participate. Through letters of encouragement, cards sent from volunteers, and prizes provided for the award-winners, these students are recognized for their accomplishments, which in turn, promotes self-confidence and self-worth.

Tools for Schools equip teachers with materials to recognize positive student behavior, as well as areas needing improvement. These tools strengthen communication between teachers and parents, creating continuous feedback throughout the year to support their growth.

As the luncheon drew to a close, we were honored to accept the award for Corporate Partner of the year. Dean shared his heartfelt thanks, saying:

“We congratulate Lee Company for partnering with us for more than 25 years to love and support children in Nashville! We are proud to serve thousands of young students together to help them get a good start in school and in life.”

Supporting Love Helps has transformed the lives of children in our neighborhoods and has enriched the lives of volunteers who dedicate their time to help the cause. As communities grow, the need has increased for programs like these. Now, more than ever, assistance from donors and supporters continue to make them accessible to those who need them most. Together, we continue to make a difference, one child at a time.

You can be part of this inspiring work in many ways. Visit lovehelps.org to learn more about their programs and how you can join in supporting the next generation.