How to Make a Smile
Make A Smile Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit public charity whose primary purpose is to sponsor programs to benefit children in need, aged 4 to 8. For more than three decades we have been organizing Make A Smile Annual Holiday Shopping Sprees, Spring Fling Clothing Sprees and Back-to- School Shopping Sprees where the children, accompanied by adult volunteers, shop for toys, holiday gifts, clothing, and/or back-to-school supplies at a Target store with money provided by the Foundation. The children who attend the Sprees are identified as “in need” through their participation in free or subsidized lunch programs at their local schools. Our goal is to create fun and memorable events for children who would not normally have this opportunity.
The core component of Make A Smile is the volunteers that assist at our events. These dedicated individuals help the children shop, assist with wrapping gifts during the Holiday Sprees and tend to the childrens’ needs during each event. At most of our sprees, the ratio of volunteers to children is nearly one to one. Since the safety of the children is our number one priority, every child and volunteer get color-coded name badges. Additionally, as each parent leaves the venue, they receive a unique “identifier” that they must use to retrieve their child after the event.
Events are typically held at a local Target store, which generously provides space for the activities. During the Spring and Fall Shopping Sprees, each child may choose up to $70 worth of clothing. For the Holiday Party and Shopping Spree, children are invited to select up to $70 in toys and games. Once a child has made their selections, they proceed to the register accompanied by a volunteer, who completes the purchase. Any remaining change is then given directly to the child.
Before and after the children shop, the group gathers for a party where they eat breakfast, color, and sing songs with the volunteers. At the event held in December each year, the children also receive gifts from Santa and have the opportunity to have their picture taken with Santa to take home with them.
So, to make a child smile, make a donation of $70. To make 10 children smile, make a donation of $700. To make 100 children smile, make a donation of $7,000. You get the idea.😊 Use the "DONATE NOW" button above.
The core component of Make A Smile is the volunteers that assist at our events. These dedicated individuals help the children shop, assist with wrapping gifts during the Holiday Sprees and tend to the childrens’ needs during each event. At most of our sprees, the ratio of volunteers to children is nearly one to one. Since the safety of the children is our number one priority, every child and volunteer get color-coded name badges. Additionally, as each parent leaves the venue, they receive a unique “identifier” that they must use to retrieve their child after the event.
Events are typically held at a local Target store, which generously provides space for the activities. During the Spring and Fall Shopping Sprees, each child may choose up to $70 worth of clothing. For the Holiday Party and Shopping Spree, children are invited to select up to $70 in toys and games. Once a child has made their selections, they proceed to the register accompanied by a volunteer, who completes the purchase. Any remaining change is then given directly to the child.
Before and after the children shop, the group gathers for a party where they eat breakfast, color, and sing songs with the volunteers. At the event held in December each year, the children also receive gifts from Santa and have the opportunity to have their picture taken with Santa to take home with them.
So, to make a child smile, make a donation of $70. To make 10 children smile, make a donation of $700. To make 100 children smile, make a donation of $7,000. You get the idea.😊 Use the "DONATE NOW" button above.
The Make A Smile Foundation is committed to increasing the number of events in order to provide even more children with an experience they will treasure.
If you would like more information about the Make A Smile Foundation,
feel free to email us at [email protected]
feel free to email us at [email protected]