Who We Are
Welcome to Smiles for the Soul! We are a community-based organization composed of a group of students who are committed to spreading happiness and support to those around us. Our mission is to create a welcoming community for everyone, and we strongly believe that by working together, we can make positive impact in the world. Thank you for visiting our site, and we hope enjoy your stay!
Our non-profit has actively partnered with local organizations to enhance community support through meaningful initiatives. We’ve joined hands with various groups to create and distribute gift bags for senior citizens and children in hospitals, bringing warmth and cheer to those in need. Through a collaboration with a local company and the Ronald McDonald House, we provide support to child cancer patients and their families, offering both resources and comfort. Every holiday season, we visit senior centers, where volunteers sing, dance, and spread joy among the residents. Additionally, we spend time with elementary school students at the local library, guiding them through what to expect in middle school to ease their transitions and reduce anxiety.
At our core, we are dedicated to empowering our community through selfless acts of kindness and support. Our motto, "strengthening our community one smile at a time," reflects our commitment to making a positive impact in the lives those around us. Together we can create a future, one small gesture at a time. Follow us in our mission to spread joy and uplift our community!
About Us
Avani
Avani, a sixth grader, recently started middle school and enjoys playing tennis and swimming. She joined Smiles for the Soul to give back to her community and make a positive impact through volunteering. Working alongside a dedicated team, Avani finds joy in collaborating on meaningful projects. She is excited about the future and the opportunity to spread happiness to many people. Avani looks forward to contributing to even more inspiring projects that bring smiles to those in need.
Arnav
Arnav, an 11th grader, co-founded Smiles for the Soul to bring joy and comfort to those in need through acts of kindness and community-focused projects. His inspiration came from a memorable encounter with an elderly woman in the hospital, where he discovered the joy of uplifting others. Together with friends who share his passion for giving back, Arnav has led numerous meaningful projects through Smiles for the Soul. Beyond academics and volunteering, he enjoys swimming, exploring new interests, and spending time with his dog, Oreo. Arnav hopes to grow Smiles for the Soul into a larger organization, inspiring others to help create positive change in their communities.
Alex
Alex, a junior at Great Neck South High School in the class of 2026, enjoys playing two sports and spending free time with friends or playing video games. Grateful for the supportive community he grew up in, Alex co-founded Smiles for the Soul with friends to help those in need and give back. This organization is important to him because he believes everyone deserves essentials and, most importantly, reasons to smile. Alex is committed to making a difference and creating joy for less fortunate individuals through their projects. He looks forward to expanding their reach and impact in the community.
Elsa
Elsa Lo, a middle school student, believes in the power of a smile to change the world. She co-founded Smiles for the Soul with her friends to spread positivity and make a difference in their community. For Elsa, each smile shared represents progress toward their goal of building a stronger, happier community. She hopes that their efforts will bring lasting joy to their neighborhood and inspire a brighter future for everyone. Elsa looks forward to continuing this mission and spreading smiles wherever possible.
Kala
Kala is a dedicated 9th grader and co-founder of Smiles for the Soul, focused on giving back to her community. As a school leader, she serves as an Adolescent Advocate and is active on the Community Action Committee, helping promote a No Place for Hate environment in her school. She is an athlete who plays on the tennis team, runs track, and competes in softball, with kudos from her teammates on her impact on their success. Passionate about art, Kala volunteers as an art assistant at children's parties, bringing creativity and joy to young lives. With her commitment to community service and leadership, Kala inspires others to make a positive impact.
Jake
Jake is an 11th grader with a passion for serving his community, particularly in the areas of children's health and athletics. As a co-founder of Smiles for the Soul, he focuses on improving the well-being of local youth through various initiatives. He enjoys playing tennis and golf, as well as working out at the gym, which keeps him active and energized. Academically, Jake thrives in challenging classes that encourage him to dig deeper and expand his knowledge. He also volunteers by tutoring younger students and works part-time as a junior tennis coach, sharing his love for the sport with kids in his community.