When Tropical Storm Helene swept through Western North Carolina, it left behind more than physical damage—it disrupted the safe spaces so many children relied on for comfort, learning, and connection.

In the face of that heartbreak, you showed up.

Because of your generosity, over 600 children received Sunshine & Smiles Kits — wildlife-themed art and activity boxes designed to spark joy, creativity, and healing right at home. What started as a response to disaster has grown into something more: A powerful way to connect hard to reach children with the natural world around them.

And you can do it again.

The Difference You Have Made

Not every child’s storm passes when the weather clears. Some children are in foster care. Others live in underserved communities or have limited access to outdoor education materials. But every child deserves a chance to wonder, create, and connect with nature.

Still not sure how much of a difference you can make? Let us tell you a story.

During a Wild for Red Wolves class, a quiet girl lit up when she recognized us. “Are you the people who sent me the Red Wolf box?” she asked. From her backpack, she pulled two Red Wolf photos – ones she received in her Sunshine & Smiles Kit as a foster kid during the holidays.

She told us, “It was one of my favorite things I’ve ever gotten.”

This bright-eyed child with Red Wolf photos in her hands was one of the foster children we work with to make wildlife exploration and creative curiosity accessible. 

Today, she carries those two Red Wolf photos with her so she can teach her friends about Red Wolves. With a simple kit and a spark of wonder, she’s not just learning about wildlife—she’s becoming its fiercest little defender.

Here is How You Can Gift a Smile Today

Your support helps make all that we do possible — from getting kits into the hands of foster children, children in under-resourced schools, and children in need of a smile, to sustaining the programs that inspire kids to discover a love wildlife.

Here’s what your gift can support:

$60 supports kits for 4 kids

$150 supports kits for 10 kids

$300 supports kits for 20 kids

Now through May 15, every dollar you give will be matched up to $10,000, doubling the number of kids your donation will impact.

Donate Now to fuel joy, creativity, and nature discovery

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