Nice Ninjas was founded by EJ, a Harlem-based rising 8th grader with a big heart and an even bigger vision. What began as a simple act of kindness—handing out warm, homemade soup to neighbors in need—quickly blossomed into a movement to inspire other young people to spread joy through small, meaningful acts. At just 10 years old, EJ realized she didn’t need to wait until she was a grown-up to make a difference. She launched Nice Ninjas to prove that kids can be leaders, too.

Since then, EJ and a growing team of peers—with the support of some pretty awesome adults—have served over 1,000 families across New York City and surrounding areas. Their events include:

• Back-to-School Celebrations, where kids receive backpacks filled with supplies to start the school year with confidence

• Birthdays, Books & Board Games, a summer send-off that gives families fun, screen-free activities to enjoy together

• Dear Santa, a holiday gift program supporting families needing a little extra magic during the winter season

• And many more joyful surprises throughout the year

Nice Ninjas also leads a variety of 5–6 Kindness Challenges annually, encouraging youth to take action in their communities and discover the power of compassion.

Nice Ninjas is rooted in one simple idea: you don’t have to be a grown-up to make the world a little brighter.

Want to meet the amazing young kindness influencers behind our mission? Head over to our Team page to get inspired by the next generation of changemakers.

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