Founded in 2001, we are an all-volunteer organization that has contributed over $2,000,000 to local charities, making an enormous impact on the communities of North Mecklenburg County. PCF increases awareness of significant needs in the local community, and then brings the people, capital and ideas together to address the unmet needs of the young, poor, distressed, elderly, and handicapped in our community.
CORNELIUS, North Carolina – On September 2, The Peninsula Community Foundation
presented a grant to Little Smiles NC. According to its current president, Tim Boone,
Little Smiles works closely with pediatric nurses in hospitals and with other
caregivers throughout the community. Providing toys, games, dolls and electronic
learning devices to children with significant injuries, disabilities, or long-term care
needs. Little Smiles outreach provides 6,000 children, per year, with such comforts,
added Boone.
Margi Kyle, Little Smiles founder, explained a current request to Little Smiles,
“we were asked to assist an 11-year-old girl with a new diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis,
a progressive weakness, which led to a loss of oxygen to her brain. This has impacted her
entire body – she is unable to use her hands or arms to interact
with the environment due to uncontrollable tremors. “The hospital is working on her ability to
use head controls and a ‘mouth stick’ to enable in her communication efforts, according to Kyle,
who added that “despite her deficits, she is constantly cheering on other kids and working hard
to meet her own goals.”
“The grant from the PCF will help provide the computer and stick-stylus so she can better interact with her family and friends, listen to music, play games, work within her environment and continue to meet her therapeutic needs”, according to Tom McGinnis, PCF Board member.
McGinnis added “this is a perfect example as to what donations to PCF can do to help put SMILES
on the faces of kids when they need it the most. “ Last year PCF provided grants of over $250,000 to 18 local charities in the Cornelius, Huntersville and Davidson communities. To support the PCF and learn more about our activities, please visit its website at YOURPCF.org.
Margi Kyle is the founder of Little SmilesNC. Started in 2010, it is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that strives to fulfill the dreams of children in local hospitals, hospices and shelters. Their mission statement: Little Smiles helps heal hearts and create little smiles by providing gifts and fun activities to children impacted by serious illness, homelessness or tragedy. Giving Kids the chance to be kids during difficult times! “We are Local, Hands-On and Immediate.”
