Once Upon a Child is more than just a store! It’s a lifeline for families in need and a model of sustainability. The store in Centennial is owned by former social worker Kris, and the shop specializes in buying and selling gently used children’s items, providing an affordable option for families to clothe their children and prepare for new arrivals.
“What I love about this franchise,” Kris shared, “is that it keeps having a baby affordable. Items are priced up to 70% off retail. Which is so important, especially during hard times.”
Kris’s journey to owning the shop began with her background in social work and pharmaceutical sales. When the pandemic hit, she wanted a career that allowed her more time with her daughter while making a meaningful impact. Opening the franchise combined her passion for helping others with her commitment to sustainability and affordability.
“As a social worker, I saw so many moms unprepared for their baby’s arrival,” Kris recalled. “They needed essentials like car seats, strollers and clothing. Owning this store gave me the chance to help meet those needs in a way that’s both practical and empowering.”
For Kris, supporting Catholic Charities was a natural choice because of the meaningful connection she had developed with the organization during her years working at Denver Health. “Catholic Charities was always incredibly generous. If I needed something for a patient or their family—whether it was a household item or community support—I knew I could call them and they would find a way to help,” she recalled. Donating to Catholic Charities felt like continuing the cycle of support she had experienced firsthand. “They helped so many people and in turn, I could help them by contributing through my shop. It is a way to give back and keep that relationship strong.”
Kris also spoke fondly of working with Catholic Charities philanthropic advisors like Tom Kaiser, who is always deeply appreciative, even for the smallest donation. “He would pick up just one little bag and be so thankful,” she said.
To extend that support, Kris launched a donation program. Generous customers often donate items, which Kris will donate or turns into gift cards for agencies like Catholic Charities to give to their participants. Over the past two and a half years, these donations have helped families purchase essential items directly from the store.
“What’s important to me,” Kris explained, “is ensuring that donations go to families who truly need them. Agencies share their screening processes so I can reassure my customers that their generosity is making a real difference.”
The impact of Once Upon a Child stretches beyond families in crisis. Kris supports local schools with donations of books, clothing, gift cards for fundraisers and emergency supplies. She even works with hospitals and community groups to ensure families across Colorado have access to affordable children’s items.
Running a business with such a strong community focus isn’t without challenges. Balancing sustainability and affordability means saying no to some items, which can be emotional for customers because of their attachments to the clothes. But Kris takes pride in maintaining high standards for safety and quality, ensuring all items are rigorously checked before they reach the shelves or are donated to organizations like Catholic Charities. “Anything we sell in our store is checked for recalls. Once Upon a Child is really big on safety, so ensuring every item passes two recall checks is a top priority,” Kris explained.
The rewards, however, far outweigh the challenges. “I’ve watched families grow, and kids who’ve shopped here since they were babies are now inviting me to their birthday parties,” Kris said with a smile. “It’s heartwarming to know the store is part of their lives.”
Kris loves seeing the faces of families light up when they find exactly what they needed in her shop “It’s those little happy moments that keep you going,” she said. But not all stories have happy endings. Kris often receives clothing from parents who had lost a child and wanted the items to go to another family in need. “Those moments break your heart,” she admitted. “You see their pain, but also their strength in choosing to give something so meaningful to help another family. It’s a reminder of just how connected we all are.”
When a fire at St. James Catholic Church destroyed donations intended for families at Marisol Family, Kris stepped up as one of the biggest donors, providing clothes and supplies to replace what was lost. “It was so nice to be able to step in,” she said. “The bigger picture is now you need stuff even more.”
For Kris, the greatest joy was seeing a mother walk out with everything she needed for her child—whether it was a stroller, winter coat or baby clothes. It is a reminder that in times of need, community and kindness could make all the difference.