Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Hand.
Hi Kayla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Some might say my nonprofit journey began in college, where I minored in Nonprofit Organizational Management—but in truth, it started much earlier, on a river in rural Guatemala. In high school, I participated in mission trips, both nationally and internationally, through my church. Those experiences shaped my understanding of service and sparked a deep commitment to helping others.
While those trips were meaningful, I felt called to make a difference closer to home. I spent the first nine years of my career in fundraising and marketing for a nonprofit affordable housing developer, where I saw firsthand how access to stable housing can change a family’s future. For the past 5 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as Executive Director of Books Between Kids, and I’ve loved every step of the journey.
At the core of my work is a passion for connecting economically disadvantaged families with the resources they need to succeed—first housing, and now books. I believe nonprofits should run like businesses: finances matter, culture matters, and professionalism matters. But lasting impact only happens when those things are paired with heart, purpose, and passion.
In my free time, I love spending time with my German Shepherd, Tali—who also joins me most days at the warehouse and has become an unofficial (and very popular) member of the Books Between Kids team.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Of course, it hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road—there have been plenty of learning experiences along the way. Fundraising and nonprofit management are deeply people-centered, and while you can learn a great deal from books, webinars, and trainings, the most meaningful lessons come from lived experience. Navigating relationships, balancing competing priorities, and leading through change can be challenging at times, but that’s also what makes the work so dynamic. Despite the challenges, this field is incredibly rewarding, and I’ve found great joy in growing alongside the people and communities we serve.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Books Between Kids was founded in 2013 after two Houston moms noticed something that felt both simple and alarming: many children in our community didn’t own a single book. They also knew the research—that kids who have books at home perform better in school and are more likely to develop a love of reading. What started as an idea quickly turned into action when an unexpected gift arrived: an 18-wheeler full of donated books. That moment helped launch what Books Between Kids has grown into today.
At our core, we specialize in book procurement and distribution. We collect new and gently used books, most of which come directly from the Houston community through individuals, companies, and community groups. From there, more than 1,200 volunteers each year help us sort books for quality and by category in our warehouse. We believe that every child should feel excited and proud when they receive a book from us, which means we are thoughtful about what we put into their hands. Once books are counted, sorted, stickered, and packed, they’re ready to head out into the community.
Books are distributed through two primary programs: Book Celebrations and our Community Partners Program. Book Celebrations are essentially free book fairs held at select schools. Every child gets to choose six books to take home and keep. Schools are selected through an application process, with priority given to those serving students with the highest economic need. This year alone, we’ll host Book Celebrations at 57 Houston-area schools.
Through our Community Partners Program, we work with more than 90 nonprofit organizations across the city that serve children and families in need. These partners integrate book distribution into their existing services—whether that’s at food pantries, housing programs, health clinics, afterschool programs, or family resource events—helping us reach kids in many different settings.
This year, Books Between Kids will distribute approximately 300,000 books to 75,000 children across Houston. One of the things that truly sets us apart is choice. We believe children should be able to choose what they want to read. Giving kids the opportunity to select their own books builds excitement, encourages autonomy, and sends a powerful message: your interests matter.
We didn’t get here overnight. Books Between Kids began as a volunteer-run organization and has grown steadily alongside the needs of our community. Today, we operate out of a 13,000-square-foot warehouse, have a dedicated and growing staff, and are supported by an incredible network of volunteers, donors, and community partners who believe—just like we do—that every child deserves to be a book owner.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
It takes the entire community to help Books Between Kids serve as many kids as we do and we are going to rely on the community as we continue to grow. There are three main ways people can help us – Give Money, Give Books, and Give Time. Our biggest need currently is elementary aged chapter books. You can find more information online at www.booksbetweenkids.org.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.booksbetweenkids.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/booksbetweenkids/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BooksBetweenKids
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/books-between-kids/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@booksbetweenkids8196
- Other: https://youtu.be/P4jn-Wcz3lc?si=p52gerVdofx13gqI
