Dakota Meredith, Jr. embodies a trait admired in civic groups and business organizations—servant leadership. But he doesn’t wear a suit and tie, nor does he have a nameplate at City Hall. Dakota, being only six-years-old, wears easy-lace up tennis shoes and on some days, a navy and gold Cub Scout uniform. Regardless, he’s making an impact on his community in big ways.

“He is very selfless and kind,” says his mom, Samantha Meredith. “Oh, he’s silly, goofy, and very smart too. But if he sees a need, he will do his best to fill it. It’s really cool to see it all connect in his head. You can tell he’s identifying the need and then thinking through how he can help.” 

This summer, Dakota has been participating in Tennessee Kids Summer Serve Challenge. Samantha spotted this unique opportunity on the Boy Scouts of America Facebook group. According to TN. gov, Maria Lee, the First Lady of Tennessee, is spearheading the campaign to “instill in kids a heart for service… in devoting a small portion of their summer break to serving others.”

Dakota’s initial service project involved visiting two fire stations in White House, delivering cupcakes and fruit cups for Independence Day. His most current project, Dakota’s Book Drive, was started after a regular visit to Foster Family Assistance Network’s (FFAN) thrift store. 

Although the Meredith family does not have foster children, they have always loved the mission behind FFAN to provide foster families with the supplies they need. In the past, Dakota would take note when the store was low on toys, and he would donate some of his own that he no longer played with. 

On their latest trip to the store, Dakota noticed that FFAN was critically low on children’s books. Since reading is a favorite pastime for the six-year-old, he immediately knew he wanted to ask others to help him. Thus, he started the book drive.

“I am collecting books for foster families who might not have any,” says Dakota. “The books can help them learn to read.”

Dakota is accepting donations of new and gently used books, new coloring books, and new crayons for kids aged Kindergarten through 2nd grade until Friday, July 28. 

Dakota’s summer of service culminates this week as his book drive draws to a close. Please email him at dakotasbookdrive@gmail.com with any questions or to schedule a donation drop. 

The Merediths also encourage everyone to follow FFAN on their Facebook page or through their website, www.fosterfamilyassistance.com. “Even raising awareness of FFAN would be a gain,” said Samantha.

A gain that gives back—that feels authentic to the culture North Nashville continues to create. Thank you, Dakota, for connecting the dots between need and support one book at a time.