One Kid Can was born out of the personal experiences of Darnell Joseph, a sibling of a special needs child. Growing up, Darnell faced unique challenges and witnessed firsthand the struggles that families with special needs children endure. He realized that while his own experiences were tough, many other families had it even harder.
Darnell and his mother decided to take action. They started One Kid Can with a mission to bring joy and support to underprivileged families with special needs children. They began by reaching out to Darnell’s sister’s therapists to identify lower-income or struggling families who would greatly benefit from receiving toys for all their children.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, their efforts quickly gained traction. Through personal donations, they managed to raise $10,000 at the height of the pandemic. Recently, One Kid Can achieved 501(c)(3) status, marking a significant milestone and enabling them to expand their fundraising efforts.
Driven by their personal experiences and a deep-seated desire to make a difference, Darnell and his mother continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every child in these families experiences the joy and magic of Christmas and ensure that each child feels seen.