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Organized by Simple Gifts Project
Story
Simple Gifts Project volunteers, like these students from Brookside Montessori School, had a blast hand packing Smile Bags in hopes that it would bring a smile to others in their time of need. Over the last 5 years, we have traveled to schools and community centers to engage students like these, and hundreds of others, from high/middle school clubs, scout troops, youth groups, and more, to help fulfill our mission. With their help, Simple Gifts Project has donated care bags to over 750 children (and their families) who were hospitalized for an acute, chronic, or even terminal illness. Kids helping kids is the foundation of our success.
Right after dinner, eight year old Daniel was playing outside on his backyard swing set when he lost his balance, fell, and heard something crack. With tears in his eyes, he screamed for his mom, Gina, who came running to see what happened. It was obvious to her they needed to get to the ER as soon as possible. Gina scooped him up, grabbed her purse and headed out to Doylestown Hospital. When they got to the emergency room they were greeted by the triage nurse and guided into a small room. Before the nurse left to get the attending doctor, she gave a Smile Bag to Daniel and a parent SGP care bag to Gina. Suddenly his pain lessened as he excitedly looked inside to see the coloring books, PlayDoh, a stuffed animal, a toy, crayons, and more - just for him. As Daniel played on his bed with his new treasures, Gina sat on the chair next to him, took a deep breath, and opened her bag. It had some toiletries (which would come in handy as she stayed in Daniel's hospital room that night), a protein bar to give her a boost of energy late in the night, a puzzle book, a journal, mints, and a card of support - just for her. Gina did not feel as alone in that moment. She felt like someone had reached out to her with a hug -the power of the Smile Bag.
Our goal is to raise $2022 by the end of 2022 - but we'll only reach that goal through the kindness and generosity of people like you! How will you help spread a smile today?
