22-05-2025
Kayven's Helping Hands aims for more little libraries
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – While the concept of a little free library is nothing new, the story behind nearly a dozen in Wichita is special.
'He loved to read. He loved adventures. He loved having friends and buddies,' said Kacey Hopper, Kayven Hopper's mother.
Kayven found all those things inside the pages of books.
'We would go to the library at least once a week with Kayven. It would just be a nice little way to get away,' said Steven Hopper, Kayven's dad.
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Reading is one activity Kayven turned to when he started battling epilepsy.
'We were trying multiple different therapies and medications and devices,' Kacey said. 'Then, you know, on November 30 (2023), he laid down to take a nap and didn't wake up.'
A few months later, his parents decided to turn their grief into good. They decided to host the inaugural Celebrate Kayven FUNdraiser, which grew into the nonprofit, Kayven's Helping Hands.
'Our mission is to make adventures possible for all, and he attacked everything like it was adventure like,' Kacey said.
The nonprofit does that by empowering people with epilepsy, providing funds for kids to experience camps, clubs, or their little libraries.
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'Kids are using the libraries. You know, we were just talking about some of the libraries we've been refilling more often because the weather is getting better, and that's really a good problem to have,' she said.
Each book taken keeps Kayven's spirit for adventure alive.
Kayven's Helping Hands hopes to have 20 little libraries by the end of 2025. It also wants to train 100 people for the Epilepsy Foundation's first aid training.
The second annual Celebrate Kayven fundraiser is Friday, May 23, from 6-9 p.m. at Riverview Park in Derby. There will be a raffle, silent auction, games, and more. Click here to learn more.
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