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Since 2008, Emily’s Smile Boxes has brought joy to children across the metroplex when they needed it most.
While spending time in the hospital with her brother Jude, a 10-year-old Emily Lites noticed many children had nothing to keep them busy. So she began delivering boxes filled with toys and activities to patients and their siblings. Fifteen years later, Emily’s Smile Boxes have produced over 28,000 boxes locally and internationally while raising over $250,000 for the cause.
Last week, the organization raised over $9,000 at its annual event hosted at The Marq on Aug. 18, making it the most successful fundraiser yet. The gala ran from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., where 110 guests indulged in a three-course meal, open bar, wine pull and raffle while a piano duel played out on stage.
The funds will support Emily’s upcoming Christmas box-making party that’s expected to produce 300 boxes for local hospitals in the DFW area.
“We try to make the box-making parties fun for all guests by including food, games, cookie decorating and Santa making an appearance as long as he’s not too busy at the North Pole,” Emily says. “We really encourage children of all ages to volunteer and give back to the community.”
Through annual events, quarterly box-making parties, volunteers, donations and sponsorships, Emily’s Smile Boxes continues to make a difference within and beyond the community.
“Children are very resilient when it comes to illness. However, a fundamental part of growing up is playing, and this is so challenging to do in a gray room with needles, IV lines, pumps, nurses, vital signs and more,” Emily says. “It means the world to me when I hear what a difference a smile box made in a child’s treatment.”
To volunteer or donate toward the cause, visit EmilysSmileBoxes.com.