Our History

The Florida Chapter of Little Smiles has been operating in Palm Beach County and the greater southeast Florida region since 1999. The charity was launched by a local businessman named Chip Donohue who inspired his family, friends and colleagues to help him bring joy and comfort to children and their caregivers at Palm Beach Children’s Hospital. Now whole families, donors, area businesses and volunteers have helped Little Smiles expand services to over 20 pediatric facilities from St. Lucie to Miami-Dade Counties. The organization also has chapters in North Carolina, Western New York, and Philadelphia doing the same great work.

Our Mission

Little Smiles helps professionals give kids in their care the opportunity to be kids during difficult times.

A wide range of caregivers help children of all ages who are facing devastating circumstances including terminal illness, abandonment and other trauma. These are children who often spend many nights alone in hospitals, shelters and temporary homes, and who can be subject to painful procedures and other emotional strains that they are not equipped to handle. The professionals working with them understand each child’s unique situation and how to help them heal, but they often lack the resources and financial support to make them smile.

That is why they turn to Little Smiles, which provides volunteers, supplies, and funds to make it possible for them to add joy to the lives of the children they care for.

Little Smiles helps heal hearts and create little smiles by providing gifts and fun activities to children impacted by serious illness, homelessness or tragedy. Little Smiles believes every child deserves to smile!