Little Netta's Story
Lil' Jeannetta was the granddaughter of the late Commissioner Jeanetta Simpson-Robinson and the great-grandaughter of the late Claretta “Mother Freedom” Simpson; historical leaders and activists in the Milwaukee community.
Inspired by her kindness and joy of giving, Little Netta's Uncle, Elder Charles Walton and cousin, Mike Brown, co-founded the
The program provides Christmas gifts and copies of Little Netta’s Gift, a children’s book about her spirit of giving, written by Brown, to children attending schools with a very high percentage of economically disadvantaged students with low reading proficiency rates.
Since 2021, thanks to your support, we've been able to bring joy to the lives of 1,500 children. In 2024, we aim to provide gifts and books to more than 350 students. Your support will allow us to make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Ways in which you can continue spreading love, kindness, and gift of giving with others, while honoring the legacy of a beautiful little girl.
1. Donate Gifts through our program partner, United Way of Greater Milwaukee.
2. Donate Books using our “Donate a book” link. Books will be donated to the children for the 2024 program and/or shared with libraries, schools, who might otherwise not be able to experience the book.
2. Purchase Books for yourself and/or other littles in your lives to enjoy (a portion of book sales support Lil’ Jeannetta Robinson Gifts of Love program)
2023
Photos: Providing gifts to students at Lincoln Avenue Elementary school. A staggering 98% of more than 380 students at Lincoln Elementary are economically disadvantaged and 12% scored at or above the proficient level for reading. With your support, we ensured 100% of them have a gift and book during the holiday season.
2022
Photo: Providing gifts to students at Carver Academy Elementary school, which is where Little Netta attended school as a child.
2021
Photo: Providing gifts to students at Zablocki, Auer Avenue, and Browning elementary schools in Milwaukee
Little Netta's Gift
The book was published December 27, 2021 and is available now. Orders can be made HERE. A portion of the proceeds from book sales are used to support the Lil’ Jeannetta Robinson Gifts of Love program.
“A toy is more than a toy at Christmas, it’s a gift of love telling a child that someone cares.”
-Commissioner Jeannetta Simpson-Robinson
Co-Founder and former CEO of C.Y.D. and creator of the original Lil’ Jeannetta Robinson Toys for the Children Santa Forgot but God Remembered through your Gifts of Love program.