About

Gift-A-Smile America is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving children and families in need through faith-centered compassion, dignity, and love. Our mission is to bring hope, joy, and essential support to vulnerable communities—especially children—through meaningful outreach programs.

Inspired by the belief that “Every act of kindness is a gift to God” (Proverbs 19:17), we work to meet both physical and spiritual needs by providing meals, school supplies, holiday gifts, and encouragement rooted in Christian values.

Our Mission

To serve children and families in need by providing food, school supplies, gifts, and faith-based support—spreading hope, joy, and God’s love through every act of kindness.

Our Vision

We envision a world where every child is valued, supported, and given the opportunity to smile—knowing they are loved, seen, and cared for.

Where We Serve

Gift-A-Smile America is based in Quincy, Massachusetts, and carries out outreach programs in:

• Haiti

• The Dominican Republic

We partner with local communities, churches, and volunteers to ensure our programs are impactful, respectful, and rooted in local needs.

Our Programs

We focus on outreach during key moments in a child’s life and throughout the year:

• Semana Santa (Holy Week) – Meals, Easter baskets, and faith-based activities

• Back-to-School Distribution (July) – School supplies to support education and confidence

• Christmas Outreach – Our largest annual initiative, bringing joy, gifts, and the message of Christ’s love to children and families

Each program is designed to uplift children, strengthen families, and reflect compassion in action.

Our Story

Gift-A-Smile America was founded by Jim Deponge, whose passion for serving children was shaped by personal experience. As a child, Jim received a Christmas shoebox gift through Operation Christmas Child—a simple yet powerful act of kindness that left a lasting impression on his heart.

That experience planted a seed of hope and inspired a lifelong commitment to give back. Today, Gift-A-Smile America exists to continue that legacy—turning gratitude into service and ensuring more children experience joy, dignity, and love.

Our Values

• Faith-Driven Service – We serve with compassion guided by Christian values

• Dignity & Respect – Every child and family is treated with honor

• Transparency & Integrity – We are committed to responsible stewardship

• Community Partnership – We believe lasting impact happens together

Join the Mission

Whether through donating, volunteering, or praying for our work, you can be part of the mission to spread smiles and hope to children who need it most.

Recent activities: