Who We Are
Smiles for the Kids is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting IDF soldiers, reserve soldiers, and their families throughout Israel. We were founded on October 8, 2023, one day after the deadliest attack on Jewish people since the Holocaust, by a father of three who left his marketing career to enlist in the IDF at age 44.
Since then, we have supported over 40,000 soldiers, reached more than 10,000 families, organized over 80 carnivals for displaced communities, and distributed more than $1.8 million in direct aid. We operate on a zero-overhead model. 100% of every donation reaches the soldiers and families who need it.
We work across six program areas: essential supplies for soldiers, meals for military families, reconnecting deployed soldiers with loved ones, supporting families of the fallen, carnivals for displaced children, and programs for underprivileged youth and orphans.
Since we launched on October 8th, Smiles for the Kids has:
- Distributed over 50,000+ candy bags for children
- Given 10,000+ candy platters to families for Shabbat and holidays
- Delivered 5,000+ challot and cakes for families for Shabbat
- Fed 45,000+ soldiers across Israel
- 1,000+ Army Wives have received personalized activities such as craft kits, bouncers, movie nights, games and more
- Over 100 communities have received a fun activity event for their community such as carnivals, drumming, magic show, pizza, flower making, paint party, etc.
- 1000+ security team members have received helmets, vests or other needed equipment
