2026 Smiles for the Kids Initiatives
As we enter 2026, we’re sharpening our focus on six strategic areas where critical needs intersect with our strongest partnerships and proven capabilities. In each area, we have direct connections to communities facing urgent challenges and the infrastructure to deliver both immediate relief and sustained progress. The followinf initiatives represent our commitment to maximizing your investment in real, measurable outcomes that strengthen our region for generations to come.
Become a Pillar Sponsor
Partner with us as a Pillar Sponsor by underwriting one of our six core initiative areas in honor or memory of someone special. Your pillar gift creates an enduring legacy while providing the resources we need to scale our programs immediately, expanding food distribution networks, increasing shelter capacity, or launching new educational workshops based on your chosen focus area. These sponsorships bring direct relief and opportunity to families facing hardship today while building stronger foundations for tomorrow. Pillar commitments can be structured as single contributions or pledged throughout 2026 to align with your giving preferences.
Diamond: $7,200+ Platinum $5,400+ Gold: $3600+ Silver: $1,800+ Bronze: $1,000
Note: Multiple sponsors available at each level for each category. List is currently in formation.
To explore Pillar Sponsorship or other event sponsorship opportunities, please contact Aron at aron@smilesforthekids.com
Reserve soldiers protecting Israel often arrive at their bases with outdated equipment passed down through years of service. From Alog 99 to Gidud 6724, 7018, Ugda 252, and various community security teams across the country, worn body armor, aging tactical gear, and basic supplies that should be standard issue become critical needs when families are left behind and businesses abandoned. These men deserve equipment that matches their commitment—protective vests that work, boots that last, and the essential tools a soldier needs to return home safely to the family waiting for him.
Pillar Sponsorship:
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We provide meals and support for women whose husbands serve in miluim. With young children at home, cooking daily meals plus Shabbat and holiday preparations becomes overwhelming when managing everything alone. Gift cards allow easy meal ordering during busy weeknights and special occasions. When possible, we order from women-owned local restaurants, supporting community businesses. This program relieves stress, reduces isolation, and shows military families their community supports them.
Pillar Sponsorship:
Diamond: Rachel and Josh Neuman
Platinum: Marc Halpert
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Silver:
Reconnection Support helps military couples reunite after long deployments by covering expenses such as dinner dates, babysitting, and occasionally hotel stays. The war has increased divorce rates among military families. After living separate lives—often in different time zones—couples face tension when the deployed spouse returns and immediately resumes family responsibilities. Our program provides space for couples to reconnect and bridge the gap before diving back into daily family life.
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We help families who lost their father or main provider during the war, including a new mother whose husband was killed before their first baby was born, and a family of four women who lost their 22-year-old son. We coordinate with former military units to provide specific support when families need it most.
Pillar Sponsorship:
Diamond: Rachel and Josh Neuman
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Silver
Relief Events support neighborhoods heavily impacted by military service. Certain Israeli communities like Mevo Horon, Nofim, and Karmei Gat have disproportionately high numbers of reservists deployed simultaneously. When many fathers from one neighborhood serve together, the entire community feels the strain. Mothers manage alone while stress affects children who sense the tension. We organize events where kids can play and laugh while mothers connect over coffee, giving entire communities temporary relief from their burdens.
Pillar Sponsorship:
Diamond: Maman Non Profit
Platinum: Tara Schoenfeld
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Silver
Smiles for the Kids provides school supplies, winter clothing, and birthday celebrations for children from low-income families in Israel’s periphery. Working with school counselors, we identify families where parents work multiple jobs to cover basics. We deliver grade-specific supplies, distribute proper-fitting coats and shoes, and organize school birthday celebrations. These actions help children focus on learning rather than feeling different.
Pillar Sponsorship:
Diamond: Rachel and Josh Neuman
Platinum: Josh Legum
Gold: Rivky and Shocky Klar
Silver: