This year’s Christmas Campaign of the Children’s Smile Foundation raised almost 24 thousand dollars — an amount behind which lie hundreds of small and large gestures of goodwill, contributing to real help for children who need it most.
This year’s campaign had an exceptionally wide reach and proceeded on multiple fronts. Funds came from various sources: through payments to a special account at the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union, electronic transfers via www.childrenssmilefoundation.org, QR code scanning, and also thanks to traditional collection boxes placed in Polish-American stores and businesses within the tri-state metropolitan area. Collections during Christmas concerts — including an unforgettable performance by the Enej band and a carols concert featuring Sławomir and Kajra at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Greenpoint — as well as sending Christmas cards and a St. Nicholas Day party, also contributed to the fundraiser.
This diversity of forms shows how many paths lead to one goal: bringing help to those who are just starting their lives and deserve a chance to do so with a smile.
This year’s edition was also a continuation of a long-standing charitable tradition — for the past eleven years conducted in cooperation with the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union. The new, expanded fundraising formula confirmed that the energy of the Polish-American community is not weakening, but is finding ever new ways to express itself.
The collected funds are intended to help sick and needy Polish-American children. The first beneficiaries were those whom the Foundation has supported for a long time: brothers Benjamin and Nicolas from New Jersey, orphaned after the loss of their father, Franek from New York, raised by his grandmother, and Leo from Rhode Island and Amelia from Pennsylvania, both struggling with autism. Each of these children has already received support of 1000 dollars. The remaining funds will go to other Polish-American families who will turn to the Foundation for help in the near future.
Each of these stories is a reminder that behind the numbers stand specific children — with names, dreams, and potential waiting for a chance to flourish. In a world full of difficult news, this campaign is proof that good not only exists but can organize, mobilize, and bring tangible results.
The Children’s Smile Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to all donors and sponsors, store and office owners who provided space for collection boxes, organizers of Christmas concerts, and every volunteer who dedicated their time and energy. It is your generosity and commitment that give meaning to this campaign — and allow another child to look to the future with hope.
Because a child’s smile is the best answer to difficult times.
