Hannah Schildroth, 15, founder of Hands of Grace S.E., stands beside a display inviting visitors at a local craft sale to take a Grace Kit and share it with someone in need. The Bremen-based nonprofit collects hygiene supplies and nonperishable food for community outreach. (Photo courtesy of Hands of Grace S.E.)
A teenager’s simple idea to help others has grown into a federally recognized charity serving her community.
BREMEN, Ga. — While many teenagers are balancing school, extracurricular activities and time with friends, 15-year-old Bremen student Hannah Schildroth has added something unexpected to her schedule: leading a nonprofit organization.
Hannah founded Hands of Grace S.E., a faith-based 501(c)(3) organization focused on providing essential supplies to people experiencing homelessness, supporting neighbors facing food insecurity and encouraging others to serve.
In the past week, she has personally handed out numerous “Grace Kits” filled with toiletries, snacks and other necessities. At a recent local craft sale, she also displayed kits that visitors could take home and keep in their vehicles to share with someone in need.
The inspiration was straightforward. When Hannah saw someone experiencing homelessness, she wanted to help, but her mother did not always have cash or feel comfortable giving money. Hannah decided she could prepare care packages instead — and keep them in the car so she would always have something to offer.
A Simple Idea With a Big Purpose
Grace Kits are assembled in gallon-size resealable bags with items such as soap, deodorant, washcloths, toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks, snacks and bottled water. Hannah keeps kits in the car and distributes them when she encounters people who could use them.
Her craft-sale display invited others to do the same. The message is simple: She cannot help everyone, but she can be prepared to help someone — and she is helping others be prepared, too.
A Mission Rooted in Love
The initials “S.E.” honor Sarah Elizabeth, Hannah’s older sister, who died as an infant in 2003. Although Hannah never had the chance to meet her sister, the organization carries Sarah Elizabeth’s memory forward through compassion and service. Its motto is “Be Gracious.”
With her family’s support, Hannah established Hands of Grace in Georgia, and the organization received federal 501(c)(3) recognition in September 2026. As its founder and CEO, she hopes to expand its outreach while encouraging people of all ages to participate.
Small Donations, Real Impact
Hannah is asking travelers to save unopened hotel toiletries they are permitted to take, rather than leaving them unused. Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, lotion and soap can help fill Grace Kits.
The organization also needs gallon-size resealable bags, soap, deodorant, washcloths, toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks, individually packaged snacks and bottled water.
Beyond the kits, Hannah is collecting nonperishable food to help replenish community pantry boxes around Bremen, where neighbors can access food when they need it. A few toiletries, a pair of socks or a can of food can become a practical way to show care.
An Invitation to Be Gracious
Hands of Grace is about more than supplies. Hannah hopes each kit offers dignity, encouragement and a reminder that someone cares. Her Christian faith is central to the mission, which emphasizes serving others with compassion and without judgment.
A Grace Kit tucked in a vehicle can turn an ordinary trip across town into an opportunity to help. Hannah’s idea has grown from one teenager’s wish to give into a way for others to join her.
Hands of Grace welcomes donations of the supplies listed above, nonperishable food and financial contributions. Learn more at https://sarahelizabethfoun.wixsite.com/hands-of-grace-sarah or contact [email protected]. Donations can be made at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-change-lives-25339.
Be Gracious.
