AS HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE ENTERS CRITICAL FINAL WEEKS
Proceeds provide toys, gifts, and support to more than 10,000 children during the holidays and fund programs impacting 15,000 children year-round
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Palm Beach Gardens, FLA. – (December 4, 2025) – Little Smiles™ is urging the community to rally behind its 16th Annual Holiday Toy Drive as the nonprofit works toward a $100,000 fundraising goal to bring joy, comfort, and holiday magic to thousands of local children in need. Donations made now through December 25 will help secure toys, games, and gifts for families facing financial hardship and fuel year-round programs supporting children battling serious illness, experiencing homelessness, or recovering from tragedy.
Community members can donate in several ways:
• Shop the Little Smiles Amazon Wish List
• Make an online donation or text LITTLESMILES to 44321
• Drop off new, unwrapped toys at participating locations or events listed at littlesmilesfl.org
In 2024 and 2025, Little Smiles programs reached tens of thousands of children across 33 pediatric partner facilities from Daytona Beach to Miami-Dade, including hospitals, medical daycares, shelters, foster care homes, and hospice programs. Your support directly helps provide:
• 10,000 toys distributed through the Holiday Toy Drive
• 200 wishes granted for children with life-threatening illnesses
• 200 children supplied with essential basics and emergency needs
• 250 in-facility celebrations, including movie nights, craft days, and special events
• 2,500 gifts for pediatric nurses and frontline caregivers to give to children
• Playroom and comfort gear impacting 15,000 children throughout the region
“The community has always been the heart of this mission,” said Samantha Shepherd, Interim Executive Director of Little Smiles Florida. “Our goal is to make sure every child feels remembered and valued during the holidays. The need is great, and we often run short on baby toys and gifts for teens. Gift cards are especially helpful for teens and can even help provide a family with a holiday meal. Every donation brings comfort, joy, and hope to a child who needs it most.”
Proceeds from the Toy Drive ensure that children across Southeast Florida, many of whom are spending the holidays in hospitals, shelters, or unstable home situations, receive moments of happiness during a difficult time. Gifts are placed directly into children’s hands through Little Smiles’ trusted network of pediatric partners and local family support programs.
Local businesses can make an immediate impact by becoming toy drive sponsors, hosting a collection box, or organizing employee donation challenges. Volunteer groups, schools, and clubs are also invited to join the effort. For donation details, drop-off locations, sponsorship opportunities, or ways to get involved, visit littlesmilesfl.org.
About Little Smiles Florida:
Little Smiles is a not-for-profit organization operating in Palm Beach County and the greater Southeast Florida region. The charity was founded in 1999 by local businessman Paul L. Donohue, who saw a need and inspired the community to bring comfort and joy to children and their caregivers at Palm Beach Children’s Hospital. Little Smiles now partners with 33 pediatric facilities from Daytona Beach to Miami-Dade that include hospitals, medical daycare centers, hospices, shelters, foster care homes, and medical support facilities. Its mission is to help kids during difficult times by providing smiles to children and their support staff through fun events such as movie nights, arts and crafts, and snack breaks. The organization also fulfills individual needs and requests, such as providing a toy to distract a child after surgery, pajamas for comfort during extended stays, or a cake and present to celebrate a birthday during their time at a partnering facility.
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Calendar Listing:
Through December 25, 2025, Little Smiles’ 16th Annual Holiday Toy Drive collects gifts for children from newborns to 18 years old. Donations will be distributed to families in need and to Little Smiles’ 33 pediatric partners from Daytona Beach to Miami-Dade. Visit littlesmilesfl.org to donate, shop the Amazon Wish List, or drop off gifts at participating businesses or the Little Smiles North Pole (3569 91st Street North, Suite 4, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33403). Donations may also be made by texting LITTLESMILES to 44321.