Our mission is to impact the quality of life of children affected by foster and kinship care.
It started with cinnamon rolls on Facebook.
One child at a time
We believe that breaking the cycles of trauma empowers children to reach their full potential.
Our history
In late 2012, two foster moms in Gastonia — Susanna Kavanaugh and Michelle Buchanan — looked at the Department of Social Services' supply closet and decided they couldn't unsee what they'd just seen. Children were entering foster care with only a black trash bag to carry their belongings in.
So they auctioned cinnamon rolls on Facebook to raise the funds. They started with pajamas and slowly added other essential items. By March 2013, they had a name — Least of These Gaston — and a 501(c)(3) status, and a small but specific mission: replace every trash bag with a personalized duffel bag filled with essentials for every child experiencing foster care in Gaston County.
By 2015, we'd grown beyond Gaston County and rebranded as Least of These Carolinas.
The expansion
In 2025, we established our headquarters in West Gastonia and are embarking on an ambitious journey to expand hope across the Carolinas through a network of community hubs.
We are primarily funded by private donors and grants. 90% of every dollar goes directly to children in care.
Our values
- 01
Wholeness
We are committed to making a holistic impact on the whole child — nurturing their body, enriching their soul, and uplifting their spirit.
- 02
Hope
We aspire to be a steadfast presence in the lives of those we serve, offering unwavering support and reliability.
- 03
Intentionality
We are dedicated to excellence and personalization in every aspect of our endeavors.
- 04
Consistency
We are on a mission to bring dignity to those we serve, recognizing the God-given worth of each individual.
- 05
Consistency
We are dedicated to equipping and empowering those we serve, laying the foundation for a brighter future.
