Page 10 - Southern Exposure - December '21

Page 10, Southern Exposure

holiday haPPeningS

Little Smiles 12th Annual Toy Drive Strives

To Bring More Holiday Cheer To Local Families

In 2020, Little Smiles’ annual holiday toy drive requests such as providing a toy to help
distributed nearly 10,000 toys impacting over 6,800 distract a child after surgery, pajamas to
families from Palm Beach to Miami Dade counties. The stay extra comfy during their time at the
gifts bring smiles to newborns to 18-year-olds and are facility, or even a cake and a present to
distributed to collection centers for struggling families celebrate a birthday during their time at
to pick up, and directly to Little Smiles’ 32 pediatric one of the facilities. For more information
partners that include hospitals with children fighting life- visit littlesmilesfl.org.
threatening illnesses, medical day care centers, shelters, About Little Smiles Florida
foster care homes and medical support facilities. Little Smiles is a not-for-profit
“The holidays are a special time of year, especially organization operating in Palm Beach
for children. We help families who are struggling County and the greater Southeast Florida
financially for a variety of reasons. Our goal is simple,” region. The charity was founded in
said Executive Director Nicole Mercado, “to put smiles 1999 by local businessman, Paul L.
on kids’ faces during the holidays. We give families who Donohue, who saw a need and inspired
are struggling a helping hand and let kids be kids to enjoy the community to bring comfort and joy
the magic of the holidays.” to children and their caregivers at Palm
Due to the nationwide shortage of toys, widespread Beach Children’s Hospital. Little Smiles
supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages, those now partners with 32 pediatric facilities from St. Lucie to snack breaks. They fulfill individual needs and requests
considering donating are encouraged to do so as soon as Miami that include hospitals, medical day care centers, such as providing a toy to help distract a child after
possible. With the need greater than ever, Little Smiles shelters, foster care homes and medical support facilities. surgery, pajamas to stay extra comfy during their time
is making it easier than ever to donate. Ways to donate Their mission is to help kids during difficult times. They at the facility, or even a cake and a present to celebrate
include texting LITTLESMILES to 44321l, shopping provide smiles to children and their support staff with a birthday during their time at one of the facilities.
online from the Amazon Wishlist, dropping off toys at the fun events including movie night, arts and crafts, and
Little Smiles’ North Pole, located at Harbourside Place in
Jupiter or in locations that can be found at littlesmilesfl.
Little Smiles provides year-long support bringing joy Country Roads Christmas Light Show
org, throughout Palm Beach County.

and smiles to the many impacted children, caregivers,
and families at local hospitals and other facilities. The With so many fun events
organization’s donations provide fun events for children cancelled this year, we are
undergoing a variety of hardships. They provide movie excited to announce that
night, arts and crafts, and comfort foods to stock hospital the illuminating “Country
pantries. In addition, they fulfill individual needs and Roads Christmas Light
Show” isn’t one of them!
The perfect way to enjoy
the spirit of the holiday
season with your family ...
and even viewable from the
comfort of your own car.
The daily shows present
tens of thousands of lights,
synchronized to music!
Beginning Thursday, Nov. 25 and running until Dec. 31. early to secure a spot. You can find more information and
Shows begin promptly at 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 8:30 updates about the “Country Roads Christmas Light Show”
p.m. daily, for approximately 15 minutes each show. This on Facebook. Location: 15944 84th Avenue North, Palm
is a “park and watch” type of show, you will need to arrive Beach Gardens ... in Palm Beach Country Estates.

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