Little Smiles Toy Drive brings holiday cheer to children in need

Little Smiles is spreading holiday cheer through its 17th annual toy drive through Dec. 25. [Photo by Little Smiles]

Little Smiles’ 17th annual holiday toy drive provides a chance to help create moments of joy for children in hospitals, shelters or foster homes.

Through Dec. 25, the Palm Beach Gardens-based nonprofit is collecting new, unwrapped toys and money for children from newborns through age 18.

“We can all remember being a child and having that special day,” says Richard Morrison, the executive director of Little Smiles Florida.

He says the organization wants to give children something to look forward to while easing the pressure parents feel about providing that special day.

The toy drive began with a folding table in a garage, roughly 100 toys and an initial donation of about $2,000, Morrison says. It provided approximately 16,000 toys in 2025.

Last year’s drive raised $115,209.56, surpassing a $100,000 goal. Little Smiles has set the same $100,000 goal for this year’s drive and expects to increase its toy distribution by more than 30%. Monetary donations help the organization purchase gift cards for teenagers.

Morrison says donations often favor children ages 5 to 12, leaving fewer gifts for those 4 and younger and for teens. An Amazon wish list helps donors find items for those age groups.

The gifts will arrive at a space undergoing a transformation. Little Smiles is remodeling the warehouse it used last year into its North Pole, with a grand opening planned for Nov. 12.

“When you walk in, you’re going to feel transported to Santa’s workshop,” Morrison says. “It’s going to be a magical experience.”

While the holiday drive is a major undertaking, Little Smiles’ work continues all year.

The organization responds to requests from caregivers to brighten children’s days. Through Project S.M.I.L.E., it works with law enforcement to provide necessities such as clothing, shoes, hygiene items and school supplies. Morrison says the organization also helps families find temporary housing.

“We receive calls from nurses, from police officers every day of the year,” he says.

He shared a story about a family who lost a home and belongings in a fire last holiday season. Little Smiles learned about the family through Project S.M.I.L.E., and its radio partners at “The KVJ Show” shared their situation with the community. The response brought toys, furniture and other necessities.

“We were able to give them a wonderful Christmas filled with a lot of joy and really help them get back on their feet,” Morrison says.

Donations of new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the Little Smiles North Pole, 3569 91st St. North, Suite 4, Palm Beach Gardens, or at collection sites listed on the organization’s website. Toys are accepted year-round.

Donors can shop the Amazon wish list through LittleSmilesFL.org. Money can be given online or by texting LITTLESMILES to 44321. For drop-off hours or information about volunteering to sort toys, call 561-899-4700, or visit the website.

For Morrison, each contribution supports the same mission: helping children be children during difficult times. “A toy, a birthday celebration, a pair of comfortable pajamas can really give a child that moment of joy when they need it most.”