While most freshmen are focused on adjusting to their new class schedules and navigating the hallways, Spartanburg High School’s Tradd Hodge (9) is doing something a little different: running a growing nonprofit organization. At just 15 years old, Hodge is the founder of The Giver Foundation, a local charity that provides resources to hospitalized children and those in difficult situations. This organization has already brought smiles to thousands of children.
The Giver Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It is aimed at fostering hope and joy for children experiencing hardships. The Giver Foundation’s roots trace back to when Hodge was just five years old. After observing the struggle of a young hospital patient, he told his mother that he wanted to create a holiday to help the children in hospitals. With the support of his family, the annual effort began as “Tradd’s Giving Day,” collecting donations of toys and supplies from friends and neighbors.
During “Tradd’s Giving Day,” the community can participate by directly contributing to the needs of hospitalized children through various avenues. The Giver Foundation’s impact goes far beyond collecting and delivering toys. It provides children’s hospitals and organizations with a wide range of essential items, including educational and healing resources, activities, toys and hygiene necessities.
The foundation also engages with the community through information and donation tables at local events, including Spartanburgers games and the Earl Scruggs Music Festival. Annual board meetings are held in the winter, with the current board selected in 2024.
Tradd Hodge isn’t just the founder of The Giver Foundation; he’s also a student-athlete, a near Eagle Scout and an avid traveler. His days are packed with football practices in the fall, lacrosse games in the spring and scouting milestones in between. Yet he still finds time to lead a nonprofit that’s making a real difference here in Spartanburg.
“It is definitely hard to maintain this nonprofit alongside school,” Hodge said. “But it is very rewarding. I set aside time for nonprofit things and plan out my time, so I don’t get too overwhelmed.”
His ability to balance it all is a reflection of the organizational skills and discipline, as well as the compassion for community that fuels The Giver Foundation’s mission.
Like many others, Beth Lancaster, Spartanburg School District 7 chief communications officer, has found inspiration in The Giver Foundation.
“What stands out to me is the way one young person with a heart for helping others has inspired other young people and adults to be part of the effort. The Giver Foundation has become a catalyst for many of our students to work alongside Tradd and the result is powerful. The Hodge family has created an incredible teaching tool, not only for Tradd but also for many other students who are rolling up their sleeves to make a difference,” Lancaster said.
What started as a simple holiday drive has blossomed into a full-fledged nonprofit. Renamed The Giver Foundation, the organization is a designated fund of the Spartanburg County Foundation and has expanded its mission to help children in need throughout the Carolinas.
Earlier this year, Hodge received the Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Humanitarian Award from the city of Spartanburg, where The Giver Foundation was honored alongside civil rights icon Ruby Bridges. This appearance elevated the foundation’s visibility and impact.
Eloise Hammett (9) shared her admiration for the foundation and its founder.
“I love the Giver Foundation. I believe it is a highly impactful organization that helps many children in need. Tradd is so kind and has such natural leadership; he is always there to help and is always a great friend. The Giver Foundation has helped so many people and will continue to help so many more,” Hammett said.
Hodge’s efforts have become a source of inspiration for his peers at SHS. In middle school, he managed a team of young volunteers who helped with collections and deliveries. His mission is infectious and fosters a spirit of giving among students who witness his dedication firsthand.
A direct way students can get involved is volunteering with The Giver Foundation itself, joining Tradd Hodge and his young volunteer team in tasks like collecting donations and delivering gifts and resources to hospitalized children. For those who prefer a contactless method, purchasing items from the foundation’s Amazon Wish List allows for direct shipping of needed goods.
Looking ahead, Hodge hopes to expand the foundation’s reach and inspire more students to volunteer and even lead service initiatives.
“For The Giver Foundation, looking forward, I want to create a Youth Advisory Board soon to involve local youth in philanthropy,” Hodge said. “I also want to grow it consistently year by year so we can expand our outreach and help more children.”
Hodge’s inspiring journey is a powerful reminder that age is just a number when it comes to making a difference. His leadership is an example to all students that a small idea, fueled by a caring heart, can grow into a movement that brings hope and joy to those who need it most.
