Page 15 - Abacoa Community News - December '22

Abacoa, Page 15
Little Smiles 13th Annual Toy Drive Needs Community’s

Help To Bring Holiday Cheer To Local Kids In Need

Donate A New, Unwrapped Toy, Donate By Text Or of the many drop-off locations found at littlesmilesfl.org facilities from St. Lucie to Miami that include hospitals,
Online, Shop From Little Smiles’ Amazon Wish List, or directly to Little Smiles’ North Pole at Harbourside medical day care centers, hospices, shelters, foster care
Or Become A Drop-Off Location To Be A Part Of South Place in Jupiter. Online options are available by texting homes, and medical support facilities. Their mission is
Florida’s Largest Toy Drive LITTLESMILES to 44321, shopping from the Amazon to help kids during difficult times. They provide smiles to
Little Smiles of Florida continues its mission to help Wish List, or donating at littlesmilesfl.org. children and their support staff with fun events, including
kids be kids through difficult times by spreading holiday Little Smiles provides year-long support bringing joy movie night, arts and crafts, and snack breaks. They fulfill
cheer with its Annual Holiday Toy Drive. The organization and smiles to the many impacted children, caregivers, individual needs and requests, such as providing a toy to
is collecting gifts through Dec. 25, for newborns to 18 years. and families at local hospitals and other facilities. The help distract a child after surgery, pajamas to stay extra
The gifts are distributed through collection centers for organization’s donations bring fun events for children comfy during their time at the facility, or even a cake and
families to pick up and directly to Little Smiles’ 32 pediatric undergoing various hardships. They provide movie a present to celebrate a birthday during their time at one
partners, including hospitals with children fighting life- nights, arts and crafts, and comfort foods to stock hospital of the facilities.
threatening illnesses, medical daycare centers, hospices, pantries. In addition, they fulfill individual needs and Calendar Listing
shelters, foster care homes, and medical support facilities. requests such as giving a toy to help distract a child after Now through Dec. 25, Little Smiles 13th Annual
“The holidays are a magical time for children, and surgery, pajamas to stay extra comfy during their time Holiday Toy Drive is collecting toys for newborns to
with the help and generosity of our community, the Little at the facility, or even a cake and a present to celebrate 18 years old. The gifts will be distributed to collection
Smiles Toy Drive brings joy to so many local children,” said a birthday during their time at one of the facilities. For centers for families in need to pick up or directly to Little
Executive Director Nicole Mercado De Leon. “Whether the more information, visit littlesmilesfl.org. Smiles’ 32 pediatric partners. Businesses of all sizes are
toys go to a child in the hospital, a foster child, or a child About Little Smiles Florida encouraged to participate and can request a box to become
whose family is having a difficult time, the kindness is never Little Smiles is a not-for-profit organization operating a toy drop-off location or become a sponsor. Ways to donate
forgotten, and the smiles on the kids’ faces are priceless.” in Palm Beach County and the greater Southeast include texting LITTLESMILES to 44321, shopping
Little Smiles goal is to raise $150,000, and they have Florida region. The charity was founded in 1999 by online from the Amazon Wish List, and dropping off toys
made giving easier than ever this holiday season. Businesses local businessman Paul L. Donohue, who saw a need at the Little Smiles’ North Pole at Harbourside Place in
of all sizes are encouraged to participate and can request a and inspired the community to bring comfort and joy to Jupiter or in locations that can be found at littlesmilesfl.
box to become a toy drop-off location or become a sponsor. children and their caregivers at Palm Beach Children’s org throughout South Florida. Donations of any amount
People can shop and bring new, unwrapped gifts to one Hospital. Little Smiles now partners with 32 pediatric can be made online at littlesmilesfl.org.

Nicole Mercado (far right) receiving
toys from donors Toys being loaded in Little Smiles’ van North Pole toys Jerry Somma, Virginia Sinicki, Nicole Mercado

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