Legacy Building

When Legacy Jackson was 2, she and her family spent Christmas morning in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. They were handing out hot soup and warm clothes to people in need. Kynedra Ogunnaike is Legacy’s mom. She says volunteering is a family tradition. It’s “just part of who we are,” she told TIME for Kids.

By the time Legacy was 4, she had started to notice something about the service events she took part in. “There would never be any kids,” Legacy, now 16, says. “And the projects weren’t really entertaining and fun for my age group.” She wanted to start a volunteer group just for kids.

Little Legacies launched in 2016. “We do a different community service project every month,” the high school junior says. The group’s mission: “Kids, service, and fun.” This year, it celebrates a decade of doing good.

GOOD GROUP In 2016, members of Little Legacies show off cards they made for kids in the hospital. Legacy is second from the right.

Spreading Joy

Little Legacies has hosted more than 120 service projects. The group has made cards for kids in the hospital. It has collected books to fill Little Free Library boxes. “I really do my best to make sure [each event] is interactive,” Legacy says.

One of Legacy’s favorite events was for International Dance Day, in 2023. She helped lead a dance workshop for young people living at Gateway180. It’s a shelter for families facing homelessness. About 15 girls attended. “We taught them different dances,” says Legacy. Then they put on a show.

LET’S DANCE Participants in Legacy’s 2023 International Dance Day workshop pose for a picture onstage.

“She just is very thoughtful,” says Kathy Connors. She’s executive director of Gateway180. Other events that Legacy and her fellow volunteers have hosted at Gateway180 are more casual. “We’ve had some real rousing games of Uno,” Connors says. “Everybody just comes to play.”

For Legacy, spreading joy and kindness is the goal. “I like making other people happy,” she says. “That has to be one of the greatest rewards.”

GOAL! At a St. Louis City Soccer Club game in June 2025, Legacy (right) is honored for her service work.

Giving and Growing

Little Legacies is open to any kid who wants to help. “It started off as me and my cousins,” Legacy says. A decade later, “We’ve had probably about 500 volunteers, easily,” Legacy’s mom says.

Xzavier Williams is 17. He’s been volunteering with Little Legacies since fourth grade. “It’s like home,” he says. “Seeing the smiles on people’s faces and realizing that we can help the community is amazing to me.”

“I didn’t know exactly how long and how far this would go, back when I started,” Legacy says. “But I’m proud of how it’s grown.” Little Legacies’ January event will be for Martin Luther King Day. The group turns 10 in September. 

Inspired?

Let Legacy’s story inspire you to make a positive difference. Click below for ideas on how you can create space for kindness in your community.