Fifth Annual Gift and Book Distribution Celebration

Spreading Kindness, Literacy, and Love — One Gift and One Book at a Time

Event Overview

On Friday, December 19, 2025 at 9 am, the Lil’ Jeannetta Robinson Gifts of Love Program will mark its fifth year of impact with a special school visit at H.W. Longfellow School in Milwaukee. The event honors the life and legacy of Lil’ Jeannetta Robinson, a Milwaukee child whose act of kindness continues to inspire a city-wide tradition of giving.

The Story Behind the Program

On her sixth birthday, December 27, 1980, Lil’ Jeannetta Robinson chose to give away her birthday presents to friends who had not received Christmas gifts. Four years later, on April 4, 1984, Lil’ Jeannetta and her mother, Cheryl Robinson, were tragically murdered. Her generosity, however, lives on.

The Lil’ Jeannetta Robinson Gifts of Love Program was founded by her cousin, Mike Brown, and her uncle, Rev. Charles L. Walton, to turn her story into action by serving children in under-resourced schools through books, gifts, and live author visits.

Program Impact

Since 2021, the program has reached more than 2,500 students across Milwaukee elementary schools.

Now in its fifth year, the program is presented in partnership with United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County, as well as Milwaukee Public Schools.

2025 School Visit

During the December 19 visit, K–5 students at H.W. Longfellow School will:

• Receive a holiday gift
• Receive a copy of Little Netta’s Gift, written by Mike Brown
• Take part in a live author reading and conversation

Event Details

Date: Friday, December 19, 2025
Time: 9:00–9:45 a.m.
Location:
H.W. Longfellow School
1021 S. 21st St.
Milwaukee, WI 53204

Format: Live reading, book distribution, and holiday gift distribution

Media Access

Media are welcome. Interviews, visuals, and on-site access can be arranged.

Additional background on the program is available at:
https://littlenetta.com

Media Contacts

Mike Brown
Co-Founder, Lil’ Jeannetta Robinson Gifts of Love Program
mikebrown@soulstir.co
414-732-5176

Rev. Charles L. Walton
Co-Founder, Lil’ Jeannetta Robinson Gifts of Love Program
chazw1@aol.com
414-204-3937