A child’s visit to one of our surgical sites can be overwhelming. Most come from small towns and villages, and it’s likely their first time away from home. Unfamiliar faces, sounds and smells surround them.
They arrive for a surgery that will change their lives forever, but, for many kids, there's another special moment. Children who have grown up with very little are about to receive their best present ever.
We call them Smile Bags.
Joy spreads across their faces when seeing these collections of little treasures. Items we take for granted — a toothbrush and comb, a toy or stuffed animal — become little miracles. To a child in a family living on $2 a day, their first-ever coloring book and crayons is a very big deal.
Every Smile Bag contains an item that symbolizes the good your support makes possible. When you have a new smile, a mirror is a must.
We provide free surgical care in three ways — through medical missions, hospital partnerships and by a world-wide network of care centers. Almost all the work is done by volunteers.
Volunteers sew and pack our Smile Bags, too. Most of the items inside are donated.
The entire Operation Smile experience is a powerful, uplifting message to a child. They expect that life will be better after surgery. This first gift proves it.
Thank you for your kindness and compassion, and thank you on behalf of all the children still waiting for the best gift ever.
