Teaching Kids That Kindness Counts: Tracy Drost’s Mission as Mrs. Illinois America 2025

For Tracy Drost, teaching children about giving started at home, with her own three children learning that small acts of kindness can create the biggest changes. Now, as Mrs. Illinois America 2025, she’s taking this deeply personal approach to activism across the state, showing families that philanthropy isn’t about writing big cheques – it’s about showing up with your heart wide open.

Drost’s recent appointment by the Mrs. America organisation recognises her commitment to community service and purposeful leadership. Her statewide platform centres on one powerful idea: that when children learn to give, they don’t just help others – they build their own self-worth, confidence and sense of belonging in ways that will shape them for life.

Why Small Acts Matter for Children’s Development

Research from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy shows that children engaged in community service experience significant positive impacts on their confidence and emotional wellbeing. Young people involved in philanthropic programmes display 30-50% higher rates of prosocial behaviours compared to their peers, with enhanced social-emotional learning that prepares them for future challenges.

‘Philanthropy isn’t just about donating money – it’s about showing up, using your voice, and giving your time,’ explains Drost. Women’s leadership in philanthropy shows how this perspective changes how families can approach charitable habits, making them accessible to any household regardless of income. Whether it’s helping a neighbour carry groceries, visiting elderly residents at care homes, or organising supplies for local food banks, these everyday moments of kindness build character in ways that grand gestures simply can’t match.

The approach addresses what many parents struggle with: how to raise children who care about others in a world that often rewards self-interest. Studies reviewed by CHADD show that volunteering and service projects help children develop accomplishment and social connectedness whilst reducing feelings of low self-worth.

Leading by Example: Family Roots

Drost’s mission stems from her own family’s commitment to service. As a mother of three, she’s witnessed firsthand how involving children in giving back creates ripple effects that extend far beyond individual acts of charity. Her grassroots approach has shaped her children’s understanding that kindness is indeed a superpower – one that anyone can wield regardless of age or resources.

‘When we teach kids to lead with their hearts, we’re setting them up to be bold, compassionate adults who lift the world around them,’ says Drost. Female leaders making a difference often share similar philosophies about nurturing the next generation through service, creating foundations they now plan to share with families across Illinois.

Illinois’s Existing Youth Philanthropy Scene

Drost’s mission aligns with existing efforts across Illinois to engage young people in community service. Organisations like Serve Illinois Commission already promote volunteerism statewide through programmes including AmeriCorps and various youth development initiatives. The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois runs ‘In Youth We Trust’, a programme that teaches high school students grantmaking and leadership skills whilst engaging them in philanthropic decision-making.

In Chicago, The Honeycomb Project facilitates family volunteering by creating service opportunities for children and parents together, focusing on leadership development and community engagement. These existing programmes provide a foundation that Drost can build upon, creating connections between local initiatives and her broader vision of nurturing giving habits in young people.

The Science Behind Service

The benefits of teaching children charitable habits extend beyond moral development. Research from Four Diamonds indicates that children involved in philanthropy experience better emotional wellbeing and enhanced social responsibility. When young people witness the real-world effects of their charitable actions, it significantly impacts their attitudes toward giving and their understanding of their role in the community.

Studies from Charity for Change show that children who regularly engage in charitable activities develop higher self-worth, optimism and growth mindsets. This evidence supports Drost’s belief that service learning empowers children, helping them develop pride and responsibility toward their communities.

Taking It Statewide

As Mrs. Illinois America 2025, Drost plans to collaborate with organisations, schools and parents across the state. Her initiatives will focus on leading service-based programmes and spotlighting local efforts that align with her mission of instilling generosity, gratitude and civic responsibility in young people.

Her approach acknowledges the practical challenges families face in raising charitable children. Women’s leadership in community building often recognises that many parents want to teach giving but struggle with where to start or worry about the time commitment involved. Drost’s emphasis on everyday acts of kindness provides a framework that any family can adopt, regardless of their circumstances or schedules.

How to Get Involved

Families interested in following Drost’s journey and participating in her youth philanthropy initiatives can connect with her through her Instagram account, where she shares updates about her programmes and service opportunities across Illinois.

The beauty of Drost’s approach lies in its accessibility. Parents don’t need to wait for formal programmes or organised events to begin teaching their children about giving. Simple conversations about helping others, involving children in family charitable decisions, and recognising moments of kindness in daily life can plant seeds that grow into lifelong commitments to service.

Building a Legacy Through Kindness

Drost’s vision extends beyond individual acts of charity to creating sustainable change in how Illinois communities approach youth development. By focusing on the emotional and developmental benefits of giving, she positions philanthropy as an essential life skill rather than an optional extra.

‘Inspiring children to give is more than charity – it’s a legacy,’ reflects Drost. Purpose-driven leaders understand that this perspective reframes giving as an investment in children’s futures, one that pays dividends in confidence, compassion and community connection. For families looking to raise children who contribute meaningfully to society, Drost’s approach offers a roadmap that starts with simple daily choices and grows into habits that last a lifetime.