Don't ever tell 8-year-old Khloe Moutra to do anything but dream big.
A Missouri City native, Khloe has launched a project called "A Book and A Smile." Her mission is simple, yet extraordinary: to give a million books to a million kids.
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"My goal is to make sure that everybody has a book, because books make me smile," Khloe said.
The creative idea started when Khloe and her grandmother Billye Moutra met Missouri City police officer Jessica Berry. Khloe was immediately drawn to Berry's long, red braid, but she was a little tentative about talking to her.
Billye made a point to introduce the two so that Khloe would never be afraid of police officers, especially in times of emergency, she said.
"One day, we saw an officer who was giving a ticket. I told Khloe, 'Why don't you tell her 'Hi!'" Billye said. "She was a little hesitant to meet her, but it was from that experience that she decided to start the project."
Khloe and Berry became fast friends, and the moment provided the opportunity for a lesson from Billye. Her grandmother asked Khloe about how she wanted to give back to her community and help the officers. Khloe's response was straight from the heart.
The special friendship forged between a Missouri City police officer and 8-year-old Khloe Moutra has blossomed into a massive project.
Khloe Moutra"If you take a second, you can imagine yourself in a book," Khloe said. "Books can take you places. You're in a whole other world. I want to give 1 million books to 1 million kids!"
For Khloe, the passion for books was ignited when she read the story of Rapunzel. Khloe said that her favorite books include "Freedom Summer," "I Have a Dream" and the Junie B. Jones series.
Khloe scrimped and saved, using her birthday money to buy books to give to the Missouri City Police Department so that officers could distribute them at community events or throughout the neighborhood. It was a unique collaboration to establish a stronger sense of trust and safety within a community.
Berry now helps Khloe with her project, "A Book and A Smile."
Khloe Moutra"Over the holidays, Khloe was able to get 100 books and 100 toys for kids in CPS custody," Billye said. "She also got 300 books for the Star of Hope, and she had a book parade for her school, Palmer Elementary. It was such a wonderful experience."
Khloe's program has now captured the attention of other organizations, including Disney. The company reached out after hearing about Khloe's project on "Good Morning America" and donated 1,000 books.
"She's not really looking for a pat on the back, but she was recognized by Points of Light," Billye said. "She keeps working really hard."
It was a tender moment when Berry told Khloe just how much her work and kindness meant to her and the police department on "Good Morning America."
"Khloe, I heard that meeting you a few years ago changed your life. I have to say that meeting you changed mine. I'm so proud of everything you do for the community here," officer Berry told Khloe.
Khloe Moutra gets ready for a book drive.
Khloe MoutraKhloe's message to Houstonians is to always try to find joy in the heart.
"I want people to just be happy," Khloe said. "And give to others that can't give stuff to themselves."
So, what does Khloe want to be when she grows up?
"I would want to have a bookmobile," Khloe said. "I want to donate money to hospitals and give money to children who have cancer. I also want to write my own book."
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This Missouri City girl's mission is to give 1 million books to kids - Chron
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