Project Smile
Chapter Spotlights
April's Chapter Spotlight: Horace Greeley High School
Chapter President: Lexi Marshall
Horace Greeley's chapter of Project Smile has spearheaded multiple fundraisers since September of 2022. The chapter funded the 200+ toys they donated to two local hospitals through hosting toy drives across their community and orchestrating multiple successful bake sales.
President Lexi Marshall shared: "My favorite part about being a Project Smile president is that I am able to work alongside my peers for a great cause. I love the fact that I am able to help bring a smile to the faces of children who are going through a really difficult time. Being a Project Smile president has taught me that as a leader it is important to listen to the people around you. I have also learned that you can’t do it all alone so as a leader you must create a strong team that is willing to work together. In order to do that you must make sure that everyone feels seen, heard and valued."
May's Chapter Spotlight: Montville
Chapter President: Rachel Pett
Montville's Project Smile chapter held a fundraiser in January and early February which raised almost $600 in gift cards. The chapter then purchased items off of the Morristown Medical Hospital's wish list for kids of various ages and interests. Led by president Rachel Pett, the club packed the toys into boxes and delivered get well cards.
Chapter President Rachel Pett said: "Being a Project Smile president has taught me that a leader comes in many forms. A leader is a delegator and an innovator. A leader has to use their creativity to think of solutions to certain bumps in the road. Most importantly, a leader outsources. It is okay to ask for help in order to help something get done faster and more effectively. A leader uses resources and the opinions of many to help decide on the best approach to a situation."
June's Chapter Spotlight: Milbum
Chapter Presidents: Gabi Facktor and Charlotte Competello
Milbum's Project Smile Chapter have held various fundraisers throughout the school year. Their toy drive collected almost 120 toys, which the group then donated to the Newark Beth Israel children's hospital. The Milbum chapter, with over 50 members, has provided Gabi and Charlottle an opportunity to lead and develop communication skills.
Chapter President Gabi Facktor said: "As presidents we are able to spread the Project Smile message throughout our school and get more students involved. It feels very special knowing that by being apart of this organization we are making kids in hospitals a little more comfortable."
January's Chapter Spotlight: Freehold Township
Chapter Presidents: Tyler and Maddie Lapman
Freehold Township's Project Smile chapter has led 3 fundraisers in recent months, including a Crumbl Cookies fundraiser in which the group sold cookies to raise $600, a Candy Gram fundraiser which raised about $100, and a fundraiser at the Tropical Smoothie Cafe. In addition to successful fundraising, the chapter, led by Tyler and Maddie Lapman, conducted a toy drive which collected over 800 toys. The toys were then donated to K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
With over 150 members in Freehold Township's chapter, Tyler and Maddie "have gained valuable insights into effective communication, delegation, organization, and community building." Other crucial members of the Freehold Township team include Lindsay Goldner (VP/Hospital Coordinator), Mia Russo (Fundraising Chair), Faith Kopec (Head of Recruitment), Ansel Patel (Treasurer), Emma Martens (Secretary), Alexis Shapero (Social Media), and Alyssa Florio and Angelina Segoviano (both Underclassmen Board Members). On their work as Co-Presidents, the Lapmans said the experience "is extremely rewarding, enabling us to give back to our community and personally connect with the mission of spreading joy to children in hospitals."