Operation Smile
http://www.operationsmile.org
Charity Category:
Health & Disease
Operation Smile mobilizes a world of generous hearts to heal children's smiles and transform lives across the globe.
Our Mission: Operation Smile mobilizes a world of generous hearts to heal children's smiles and transform lives across the globe. Founded in 1982, Operation Smile, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, is a worldwide children's medical charity whose network of global volunteers are dedicated to helping improve the health and lives of children and young adults. Since its founding, Operation Smile volunteers have treated more than 135,000 children born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities and the organization has a presence in 51 countries. In addition to contributing free medical treatment, Operation Smile trains local medical professionals in its partner countries and leaves behind crucial equipment to lay the groundwork for long-term self-sufficiency.Thousands of students serve as Operation Smile volunteers working to provide service, raise funds and spread awareness in more than 500 Operation Smile Student Clubs across the United States and around the world. These students learn about the values of commitment, leadership and volunteerism, instilling in them for life the importance of giving to others. Student volunteers raise an estimated $1.2 million annually for Operation Smile. At least two high school students accompany each international mission team.Operation Smile has been distinguished by many prestigious awards, including the first $1 million Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize to recognize outstanding contributions made to alleviate human suffering, and in 2007, the President's Call to Service Award, and in 2008, Operation Smile received the Non-profit of the Year Award from the Direct Marketing Association's Nonprofit Federation.