Kate's Kart in DeKalb County

Kate’s Kart: Bringing Joy to Hospitalized Children, One Book at a Time

Kate’s Kart, a nonprofit organization founded in memory of Kate Layman, brings comfort and smiles to hospitalized children by giving them free books. What began 17 years ago as a small project inspired by Kate’s love for reading has blossomed into a wide-reaching program, now operating 45 book carts across 25 hospitals in northeast Indiana.

Each child has the opportunity to choose and keep a book—offering not just entertainment, but a sense of normalcy during difficult times.

This year, Kate’s Kart is set to donate its 500,000th book, with an ambitious goal of reaching one million books in the future.

To help fund this mission, the organization is hosting its annual Ice Cream Social Fundraiser on June 21 and 22. Over 30 locations across the region will participate, offering sweet deals and donation boxes.

Every $6.25 raised helps provide a book to a hospitalized child. The goal for this year’s fundraiser is $110,000—and every scoop makes a difference.

Locations in DeKalb County:
The Brown House – Auburn, IN Saturday June 21st: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Blue Moon Garrett – Garrett, IN Saturday June 21st: 1:00pm – 8:00pm
Auburn Dairy Freeze – Auburn, IN – Matching up to $1,000 of all money donated in the donation box during June. Sunday June 22nd: 1:00pm – 7:00pm

To learn more or get involved, visit kateskart.org.