we had a dream to connect families and empower them to give back to their community together. In 2020, we opened an indoor children’s learning and development playcenter called House Of Playful Soul (HOPS) in Queens NY, just two weeks before the pandemic shut everything down. Faced with an uncertain future, we asked ourselves: What now?

We leaned into our mission and what the community needed—raising funds for local hospitals, organizing clothing and food drives, and standing together through challenging times. When it was time to reopen, we found our village: families who shared our mission and helped us supercharge our community-focused goals.

After 2.5 years, it was time to embrace another change. Closing HOPS wasn’t easy—it was heart-wrenching. But I realized that ending one chapter didn’t mean losing the story. HOPS’ founding purpose—supporting families and building stronger communities—stayed with me, holding on tightly to my heart.

From this space of reflection and renewal, KidsGiving Press was born. Our mission is Building Futures, One Story at a Time, by fostering connection and community through creativity and purpose. Our children’s book series, written and illustrated by me, Thuy Petersen, and my three children, is central to this mission. Through this series, 20% of net sales will fuel a scholarship fund for rising community leaders and provide books & curriculum support to schools in need.

With every story, every initiative, and every family we touch, we are proving one thing: Little hands can do big things.

Join us on this journey of storytelling, giving, and making a difference—together.