Lil’ Jeannetta Robinson Gifts of Love Program

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

On her 6th birthday — December 27, 1980 — Lil’ Jeannetta Robinson, a joyful child from Milwaukee, WI, gave away her own birthday presents to friends who hadn’t received Christmas gifts. Just a few years later, she and her mother, Cheryl Robinson, were tragically murdered.

Pictured: Lil' Jeannetta and Cheryl Robinson


In 2021, her uncle, Rev. Charles Walton, and cousin, Mike Brown, launched the Lil’ Jeannetta Robinson Gifts of Love Program to honor her legacy — spreading books, love, and joyful moments to children in under-resourced communities.

Our Impact

Since 2021, the program has reached nearly 3,000+ children, delivering engaging live assemblies, gifts and copies of Little Netta’s Gift to every student.

Participating Schools to date include:
• H.W. Longfellow, Hopkins Lloyd, Dr. King Jr., Lincoln Avenue, Carver Academy (Lil’ Jeannetta’s school), Zablocki, Auer Avenue, and Browning Elementary.

Our Partners and Sponsors

We’re proud to work alongside:
• United Way of Greater Milwaukee
• Milwaukee Public Schools
• Bader Philanthropies
• Milwaukee Brewers Foundation

Their support helps us share this story with more children each year.


How You Can Help

Donate Books

Donate Gifts

Questions? hello@soulstir.co

2025 - H.W. Longfellow Elementary School
Providing gifts and books to students at H.W. Longfellow Elementary school. Rev. Charles L. Walton (Little Netta's uncle), Terence Smith (Little Netta's cousin), and Mike Brown (Little Netta's Cousin)

2024 - Mike Brown (cousin) reading Little Netta's Gift at Dr. MLK Jr. Elementary School gift and book distribution event, alongside Elder Charles L. Walton (uncle), and Terence Smith (cousin)

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.

Photo from 2022: Providing gifts to students at Carver Academy Elementary school, which is where Little Netta attended school as a child.

In 2021 we provided gifts to students at Zablocki, Auer Avenue, and Browning elementary schools in Milwaukee

How You Can Help

Buy the Book
Donate a Copy

Questions? hello@soulstir.co

Media Invitation to 2025 Gift and Book Distribution Event

The Book That Started It All

Little Netta’s Gift (Published December 27, 2021) - This beautifully illustrated children's book tells the true story of Lil’ Jeannetta’s unforgettable act of kindness — and inspires children to lead with love and generosity.

Buy a Copy (A portion of each sale supports the program)
Donate a Copy