Make A Child Smile

There is something completely magical about smiles. New parents will tell you the exact moment their children first smiled (and insist that it wasn't just "gas"). Parents of toddlers will tell you how their children's entire face lights up when a parent comes into the room (especially when the parent is carrying a package of Goldfish crackers). And parents of preschoolers will tell you how exciting it is to see their children smile with pride when they overcome a particular challenge (like when their parents finally give in and let them have whatever it is they've been whining about for the past 45 minutes).

Make A Child Smile is an organization that recognizes the importance of smiles, especially when they are flashed on the face of a child with chronic or life-threatening illness. Their goal is to encourage people to send cards, letters and small gifts to children who could really use a smile. By clicking on the "featured kids" link, you can read about these spectacular children and get their addresses to send your support directly.

Please make sure to read the FAQ's section before sending to the children and their families for recommendations on what to say and what not to say, how children are featured, what might be appropriate things to send, etc.