Love For Kids Inc. was established in 1975 by Bill Barrett, a local businessman and philanthropist, and Alan Powdermaker, CEO of Circle R Ranch. Bill and Alan wanted to have a special Christmas party for 200 children that were sent to Texas from Southeast Asia after the Vietnam War. Their goal was to show these children what a real Texas Christmas was like. They decision was made to host the party at the Circle R Ranch for the party for kids and their parents that December. Mr. Barrett and Mr. Powdermaker brought together family, friends and volunteers and the Annual Children’s Holiday Event was born. That party was a tremendous success and the founders, seeing the tremendous need of the underserved decided to make it an annual event and Circle R Ranch has been the host site of the event ever since.

Love For Kids Inc.  has grown tremendously since its inception.  It incorporated other events and programming over the years like the All Kids Count, the Clothes Closet and The Grand Connection.  Events and services have changed over the years as the needs of Denton, Collin, and Dallas Counties have had changing populations and needs.

Throughout the years the charity has only had one goal and one vision.

The goal of Love For Kids Inc. was and is: 
“Work hand in hand with families to ensure families have basic needs like education and resources.”

Our vision is: 
“Strengthen family relationships thru education, empowerment and being engaged with community participation.”

The legacy of Bill Barrett and Alan Powdermaker has continued on with the next generation of philanthropists. We strive to honor what they created almost half a century ago as we continue to help today’s kids just as they did.