Kokomo & Howard County, Indiana

Making a difference, one little thing at a time.

It’s the Little Things is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting children and families in need right here in Howard County. Sometimes it’s the little things (a meal, a gift, a helping hand) that make the biggest difference.

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Every dollar raised stays local.

Who we are

Our mission is simple: to support children and families in need right here in Howard County.

We believe that sometimes it’s the little things (a meal, a gift, a helping hand) that make the biggest difference.

Families in our community face real challenges, from financial stress to lack of resources. It’s the Little Things exists to make sure no child is overlooked and no family feels alone.

Our work includes Cops 4 Kidz, family support programs, youth initiatives, and other needs within our community as they arise. It all happens because neighbors, local businesses, volunteers, and community partners show up for one another.

Our guiding principleEvery dollar raised stays local.

Our mission in action

How we help.

Formerly Shop with a Cop

Cops 4 Kidz

Bringing holiday joy to local children. Cops 4 Kidz is a long-standing Howard County tradition and one of the reasons we started. It’s still a big part of what we do.

About Cops 4 Kidz

Year-round

Family Support Programs

Filling critical gaps for families facing challenges, so that a hard season doesn’t have to be faced alone.

Year-round

Youth Initiatives

Building connections and resources that empower kids all year long, not just at the holidays.

We also step in to support other community needs as they come up, working alongside local partners.

“I chose to do something.”

JoAnna Rodriguez, founder

How it started

When Cops 4 Kidz, a long-standing program serving local children during the holidays, lost its previous source of funding, there were two choices: someone could step up and find a different way to keep it going, or Howard County could risk losing it entirely.

That challenge became It’s the Little Things of Howard County, and it has grown into an organization that responds to many other needs affecting children and families here at home.

Read our story

Get involved

There’s more than one way to make a difference.

Giving money is only one of them. What makes It’s the Little Things work is the number of people, businesses, and volunteers who pitch in, each in their own way.

01

Donate

Give online through our secure Zeffy page. Every dollar raised stays in Howard County.

Donate now

02

Attend an event

Come to a community dinner, The BIG Event, or our annual Fish Fry. Showing up is a way of giving too.

See upcoming events

03

Volunteer

Help at events, serve at a dinner, or lend a hand with our youth programs. Every pair of hands matters.

Ask about volunteering

04

Sponsor or partner

Local businesses and organizations can partner with us at a range of sponsorship levels.

Partner with us

Donate an item or service

Silent auction items, in-kind services, and supplies all help. Tell us what you’d like to give.

Help spread the word

Share our events, tell a friend, and follow along on Facebook. Word of mouth is how a small nonprofit grows.

Cops 4 Kidz · formerly Shop with a Cop

Holiday joy for Howard County kids.

Cops 4 Kidz is a long-standing local program that brings holiday joy to children in our community, together with local law enforcement. When the program lost its previous source of funding, keeping it going was one of the first reasons It’s the Little Things was created.

This year’s Cops 4 Kidz will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2026.

Applications and referrals are accepted only during the posted application period. Outside of specific programs like Cops 4 Kidz, we don’t take general applications for assistance. If you or someone you know is facing a hardship, you’re welcome to reach out to us. Each situation is considered individually, and assistance isn’t guaranteed.

Thank you

Our sponsors and partners.

None of this happens alone. Thank you to the businesses and organizations who make our work possible.

Stay connected

Hear about what’s coming up.

Get occasional updates about community dinners, events, volunteer opportunities, Cops 4 Kidz, and The BIG Event. No spam, and you can unsubscribe anytime.

Sign-ups open soon. Until then, follow us on Facebook for the latest news.

Contact us

We’d love to hear from you.

Call or text
765-431-8443
Mailing a donation?
Get in touch by email or phone and we’ll send mailing instructions.

The contact form will be switched on before launch. In the meantime, please email littlethingsofhowardcounty@gmail.com or call or text 765-431-8443.