Today we’d like to introduce you to Khloe Joiner.
Hi Khloe , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Khloe Joiner and I’m nine years old. When I was younger, I had a fear of police officers. While riding with my grandmother, she rolled down her window and told me to say hello. I hesitated, but then I noticed she had a long red braid. So I told her hi and we went to pick my sister up from school. My Nana ( grandmother) told me that I should not be afraid of officers because they’re supposed to help us and protect us. She was determined to find out who she was and the Missouri City Police Department arranged a meeting between us and Officer Jessica Berry. After meeting her, I decided I wanted to do something to help other children who had the same fear that I had. I decided to take the money I had been saving for a trip to Disneyland and buy books. I talked with Officer Berry and said that maybe if the officers had books to give the children, then maybe it would make it easier if their parents were stopped or if officers had to come to their homes. I decided to call my project A Book and a Smile.
Since then. I have given more than 15,000 new books to other police departments, hospitals, homeless centers, women’s centers, Children’s Protective Services, adoption agencies, churches, schools and other organizations. I organize book drives to collect more books. I also have book parades and book drivebys. The City of Missouri City gave two book drives and Mr. Wood, who owns a UPS Store, gave me over 2,000 books! I still use money that I save for books and people send books to me by mail. These books have been especially helpful during our pandemic.
I have a book challenge for Black History Month. My goal is to collect 1,000 children’s books about diversity. I already have more than 300 books. My next challenge will be 1,000 children’s books about financial literacy.
My goal is to collect 1,000,000 children’s books to give to children all over the world!
I have been recognized by The Points of Light, Niagara Water Hometown Heroes, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Ken DeMerchant’s Spotlight of the Month, Hersey Heartwarming Heroes and more. I’m a Time Magazine Kid of the Year Top 20 Finalist. The City of Missouri City gave me a proclamation and June 7th, 2021 was Khloe Joiner Day. I am also the Jr. Mayor of Missouri City.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
At first, I did not have enough books. As time went on, more books arrived, however, many people and organizations were requesting books. My grandmother and mother help me keep an inventory of the books. When our supply gets low, we put notices on social media.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am nine years old and my grandmother homeschools me. I work on 5th and 6th-grade level in some subjects. My favorite subjects are reading, science. and Art. My classes include Spanish and music. I am an actor with Page Parkes Agency. After I complete my schoolwork, I work on auditions or I study acting. I recently filmed a commercial and a feature film.
I am most proud of bringing smiles to the faces of children. It makes my heart smile when I see their reaction to getting new books for free.
I believe what sets me apart from others is my love of helping other people all of the time. I go to bed with thoughts of how I can continue to get books into the hands of deserving children.
What were you like growing up?
Well, I’m only nine, but I’ve always loved art, building, sharing, entertaining and nature. I just finished a script for a short film and a children’s show. I have lots of paints, colored chalk, and art supplies that have kept me busy over the years. I love to build with Legos, but I can build with anything. I enjoy watching videos of me dancing. One of my favorite things to do is to go outside and collect rocks and sticks. I have rain boots and I still love to splash in muddy puddles.
Contact Info:
- Email: billyemoutra@gmail.com
- Website: abookandasmile.org
- Instagram: KhloeMakesADifference
Image Credits
Billye Moutra
