Standing for Our Community: Help a Veteran-Owned Childcare Center Fight for Its Future

My name is Danielle Duhart, and I am the proud owner of Kiddie Corner Learning Center, a veteran-owned, community-based childcare program serving families in San Antonio, Texas.

Over the past several years, we have poured our hearts, time, and life savings into building a safe, nurturing, high-quality learning environment for children. We are a 4-Star Texas Rising Star center serving military families, first responders, and hardworking parents who rely on us every single day.

Today, we are facing an unexpected and overwhelming legal battle with a large national childcare franchise regarding our use of the word “Kiddie” in our business name.

The word “kiddie” is a common, descriptive term that simply means “children.” It is not unique to one organization, nor was it used to imitate or misrepresent any other brand. In fact, there are numerous childcare centers across Texas and throughout the country that use the word “kiddie” in their names without affiliation to this corporation.

It feels deeply unfair to force a small, locally owned, veteran- and woman-owned business into an expensive legal fight over a word that generically represents the very population we serve — children.

This is not just about a name.

This is about protecting:

• A small, woman-owned business

• A veteran-owned childcare center

• Jobs for local educators and staff

• Affordable, high-quality care for working families

• A program built from the ground up with integrity, sacrifice, and heart

Defending ourselves requires significant legal resources. Attorney retainers, trademark filings, consultations, and potential court costs are mounting quickly. Small businesses rarely have the financial power to withstand prolonged legal pressure from large national corporations.

However, we are committed to handling this matter professionally, lawfully, and with integrity — because our families deserve stability.

Funds raised will go directly toward:

• Attorney retainers

• Trademark defense and filings

• Legal consultation and court costs

• Rebranding expenses, if ultimately required

Every donation — no matter the size — helps us continue standing up for our community.

If you are unable to donate, sharing this campaign would mean more than you know.

We are not just defending a word.

We are defending the village we built.

With gratitude,

Danielle Duhart

Owner, Kiddie Corner Learning Center

San Antonio, Texas