Smile Train, Inc.

During my recent visit to Bulgaria, I had the privilege of meeting Metodi Simeonov, a colleague who introduced me to Smile Train – an incredible organization dedicated to helping children born with cleft lip and palate (also known as harelip/shisis).

This cause touched me deeply, as I was born with a cleft lip myself. I am grateful to have received excellent care in the Netherlands, but what Metodi and Smile Train are doing locally in Bulgaria is truly inspiring.

I want to take this opportunity to support and raise awareness for this wonderful organization and the important work they do for children in need. Together, we can help make a difference.

This is my second year contibuting to Smile Train. My father was a doctor in Perú and he was able to help kids with institutions like Smile Train. I am happy to be part of something like this. God Bless all people that makes this possible on the name of our Lord JesusChrist.

I have been a contributor to Smile Train for many years and plan to continue as long as I can. I was initially, and continue to be impressed not only with the immediate impact they can have on children's lives, but also with the quality of pre and post care, not to mention the inspiring Drs., Nurses, Therapists, and other Healthcare workers they have working for them.

I had a colleague whose baby arrived with a Hair Lip. The support for the parents and treatment for the gorgeous girl here in the UK was brilliant.
Why should adored children in other countries miss out? Smile Train gives them a reason to be happy!
Please support.

I am a member of CCAC and absolutely love being apart of smile Train and what Smile Train does for babies, children and adults. Without Smile Train so many lives would be destroyed Thank You Smile Train for all you do.

I have been involved with Smile Train in various capacities for almost a decade. I worked closely with their team on a strategic partnership with an NFL supporter, has gone on trips to see their work in the field, have organized fundraisers benefitting Smile Train, and more recently have supported them at a corporate level in my current role/company.

Every step of the way, this organization is professional, kind, empathetic, strategic, sustainable, and more. The treat every volunteer/supporter (big or small) with the utmost gratitude, respect, support, and appreciation.

I love being a part of the Smile Train family and look forward to supporting their efforts in various ways for many years to come!

Once I found out about this charity I did my research and found what a great service they provide for these beautiful kids and I feel so blessed that I am able to help.

I just made a monthly donation. It only costs $5 to fund a cleft surgery. Seems like it has a very good impact on peoples' lives.

This is a wonderful charity to give to. All kids deserve a smile, and you’ll get one too if you can give to help make it happen. Hope so.

I love this charity and the work they do. They have been doing this for years. We have 5 generations of cleft palate in our family so this has a special meaning for me. Often the cleft is accompanied by other genetic issues. This is a big help in getting to a functional life and normal speech.

No more donation for this year 2023. I hope I have helped and supported the cause the best I can. My money very short idk if I am going to have enough money for the future to supplies all my needs, Please be thankful and grateful for what I and anyone can do. Every little bit counts please show grattitude to all who donate to support the cause of smile train to help, and support many struggling families to supply everything that they need to survive. help achieve their mission to have successful life for their future grandchildren and next generation to come. Sincerely Davon Lewis Good Luck & Have faith & big purpose.

My experience is really good because it is a good opportunity to donate and it was easy to do it

This charity is dear to my heart. I was born with a cleft palate and lip. My Mother couldn't take care of me because I needed specialty care at that time. I was in foster care for 3 months. I was bullied and made fun of by other children. They made fun of how I looked and my speech. It had always left a lasting impression on me. "Children are children's worst enemies". That's a quote from my pediatric nursing instructor. I got my RN, married and had 2 children. Both born normal. I'll soon be 76 years old. That many years ago they surely didn't have the expertise that they have now. No child should ever have to endure what I experienced. Those feelings still haunt me to this day.

This would have been 5 stars if the donation went thru as described. However, the first time I tried it asked for a code which I could not find; the second time I tried it went thru without a code; My dissatisfaction is I donated at 11:58 on my computer on Sept. 30, 2023 and the receipt said the donation was made on October 1, 2023 so my donation was not doubled like I wanted it to.
As far as Smile Train is concerned, I have been donating since the '90's and knows they help so many chilcren, changing their lives and their futures! Thank you

I don't think there could be a better cause than to help a child get a better start in life. Please donate.

I love receiving the photos and stories of adults who were once children with cleft palates! Seeing how impactful Smile Train has been on their lives reinvigorates my commitment to this wonderful organization.

Thich Nhat Hanh said, “Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful.”
Because of Smile Train, lives are changed! It's my honor and privilege to support Smile Train.

~Michelle S.
Indiana, USA

I'm an 81yr old disabled pensioner, but whenever I see these beautiful happy children being born with a cleft palette and lip, it breaks my old heart. I know it's not much, but as they say every little helps! I hope people reading this will follow suit and help a charity that needs your help so urgently to help these dear sweet children!

It's always an honor, We do as a community on a streaming platform have used every single penny to donate to a child in need

Truth Is Beauty ... Beauty , ... Truth; this is all you will ever know ... all you'll ever need to know." ~~~ Romanticist (circa 1800) Classic Poet, John Keats, "Ode on a Grecian urn" ⚱️ like

My mother told me this was the best investment you could make. It changes a life, which changes the world.

The TV promotion of the Smile Train sells the charity 100%. One can only be emotionally moved by the change in the lives of the children .

This is such a great charity to give. Helping children and adults live a more normal life.

These kind and gifted people give their services to improve the lives of others who would otherwise be condemned to misery. What joy they must bring to their little patients, and also the relief to their families. It is such a small sum to donate in comparison, but it is lovely knowing how much it can help - pressing a few keys is just the easy bit, but it facilitates the wonderful work done by the staff.

Each Lent our students, at St. Bede Academy in Peru, IL, donate to the 4 charities we give to each year. The sophomores have Smile Train as their class charity. This Lent they collected $1,000.

I am 68 years old. I had a very bad fall but my lips are healing finally after 5 months of pain and discomfort. I prayed for a good recovery and Jesus has healed me and is continually healing me. These babies and children are born with cleft lips and palates. I just wanted to thank God for how I have been blessed all of my life and now I am healing after a fall. These kids didn't have a life with the ability to eat, suck, or speak and smile. God bless them, donating to Smile Train this is the least I can do for my many blessings. Karla

I first heard of Smile Train when a programme about it appeared in the early hours of the morning on TV. I was so sad to see and hear the issues the children with cleft lip palate had to deal with. Most sadly is their community treating them badly. Children being cruel but that behaviour is probably copied from adults who do not understand. I wanted to donate a long time ago and I decided to sit down and read the information on the ST website which is very informative. I am glad to have taken the time to donate to this very worthy cause. I hope that more medical professionals donate their time and expertise to help these beautiful children and their families. God Bless Smile Train and all cleft children.

I love Smile Train. To see the new smile on a child's face is such a blessing to me. I will always support this wonderful foundation!!

I work in the dental field. Nothing means more than a smile..

I just gave a little today after seeing the ad alot along with others but felt like wanted to reresech more about this chirty and was very interested and inpressed with the way and work they do to help others.

I would rate this charity 5 stars, however, having opted out of SMS, PHONE AND EMAIL reminders, should I receive any marketing through the post, they will have seen my last payment. I find it cynical that they ask for my address, yet I can’t opt out.

The charity seems worthwhile and I would like to make regular payments ifs funds allow, however, I always opt out of future contact, primarily to ensure that the money donated goes to charity, rather than marketing.

Let’s see what happens.

I am resuming my donations after a short lapse. Smile Train is essential to so many around the world, and I am thankful it is doing this great work.

A wonderful organisation which does a fantastic job publicising the dreadful affliction of the cleft palate. A truly worthy cause which deserves everyone's support

I came across a boy in the Philippines who needed surgery on his cleft lip. I contacted Smile Train and within 2 months he has been scheduled for surgery. Great organization.

Just saw your adds on SM by sudden and got so passionate about how great and kind your goals are!! It’s so wonderful to see those pure children enjoying their life in a normal way. May god blesses you all, your generous efforts and all donors.

Thanks to you all!!

Smile Train provides life-changing surgeries making every child feel whole for the first
time in their life.

I am convinced that Smile Train is helping change lives for the better. Keep on doing your great work!

Website is very informative with up to date information. There are stories of children and young people who have had this life saving and LIFE changing surgery. It's an excellent cause and very simple to donate. Cleft palate is something I never see in the UK because we have the NHS. Any baby born with this in the UK is operated on as soon as possible. Half the world, HALF THE WORLD DOES NOT HAVE EASY/CHEAP ACCESS TO THIS SURGERY. Please consider giving to this excellent charity. It really does change kids lives for the better.

Great work. Keep it up my friends and make a difference

This is my first time donating to this nonprofit. It is not much, but I hope it helps and makes someone smile so great. :) Thank you

This is the perfect Christmas gift to give. I made a donation in honor of my friends and let them know that their "gift" was going to give a child back his/her smile. I would love to receive such an honor. I hope this catches on!!

I grew up viewing photos that had been taken by an eminent ENT Consultant and the subject has always been close to my heart. Well done everyone. God bless

This is a most worthy cause that does so much for so many. This was the favorite charity of a dear friend of mine who is now gone. I do this to honor her memory.

I developed Bell's Palsy back in 2004. I never completely recovered. The nerves between my left mouth and my left eye did not heal correctly. My left mouth often looks pouty.

Such a great charity!
We get so anxious about our looks. As teenagers a pimple or acne can make us not want to go out and feel desperate and depressed because people place so much on looks and first impressions.

This charity works at grass roots getting the help efficiently to the children, babies and families when they need it.
Early intervention can save massive heartache and rejection and unwarranted shaming.

Every bit helps ❤️

They are rated highly, and we think this is an important, life-changing cause, so simply cured, really. We take this kind of surgery for granted, but that is not the case in poor countries. These children deserve the chance to grow and thrive.

In 1975 my first child was born with a cleft lip. It was a total shock, I knew about clefts but had no knowledge of how these happened, the treatments available, or anyone who had been born with a cleft or a child born with a cleft. We were lucky to be in Scotland with a free NHS service. Two days after he was born a specialist surgeon who operated on clefts came to the hospital and gave all the information we needed, especially the timeline for operations. The shock was still raw but armed with the knowledge he gave I was less worried. The children in the countries Smile train provide free services to repair clefts don't have this support which is why I choose to donate to them. Families who have children born with clefts are ostracized by their communities. The child grows up in isolation as it is believed they are children of the devil etc shunned by their peers. The change in this after a cleft operation is tangible so well worth doing. In these times of harsh austerity, the first thing to go is charitable donations, totally understandable, however, every donation no matter how big or small all helps to change a child and their family's lives. The doctors, nurses, anesthetists with all other staff know the issues families have when a child is born with a cleft and how harrowing it is for the child all through their life. That is why they bring the operations to the local areas and provide their services free of charge. The change in family's lives is easy to see. They no longer worry about the child's future but best of all is seeing the beaming smile the child now has. the Smile Train isn't one of the charities we see advertised as much as cancer charities etc, however, their work provides an essential service to families and children and that is why I choose to support them.

I’m inspired to support Smile Train with their life changing work. To know that my family and I have helped to change the lives of vulnerable children to receive this surgery so they can live their full potential feels amazing. Thank you for your amazing work.

I never heard of this organization, but I am Blessed to be a part of it. I worked for a school system for 16 years in Michigan and covered a Special Needs class when the teacher was called out of the classroom. I also was a 4H leader (horse club) for several years. One of the best experiences I ever had was taking my 4H Club to Canada for an International Horse Show. I was Blessed to be able to cover all the expenses and transportation. My experiences shared with these children was worth every bit of it, I am 88 years old now. Have a Rescue dog and a Rescue cat -- and a lot of Blessing to remember.

Smile Train performs life altering work, and uses our donations efficiently. We are pleased to support their work.

I donated to smile train in my grandsons name Ethan he is 6. He sends his love for Christmas

I had wanted very badly to support this organization for a long time and help put a smile on a innocent child's face.

Today I believe I'm in that position to do just that and put a smile on a child's face. No child was asked to born like that, thus, we should always help whenever we're in a position to help an innocent child.

Goes to an amazing cause which really touched my heart.

We have been donating here for many years. We continue to feel very confident that our gifts go towards a great cause, changing the lives of children which will open new doors to them for the rest of their lives.

EASY TO USE, QUICK AND SIMPLE, GIVING INSTEAD OF SENDING CHRISTMAS CARDS

To help the little children who are suffering with this

I came across a magazine ad for Smile Train over 20 years ago and have been donating since then. I love that most of all donations go to operations for the children, wherever they may be. Having been born 69 years ago with a harelip and cleft palate myself and having numerous operations from the age of 2 weeks to 17 years, I can very much appreciate what these doctors accomplish in such a short amount of time. I didn't learn until 4 years ago that clefts also pose future dental issues. I've just finished various bone grafts and now have dental implants with full dentures, after years of braces and permanent bridges. My hope is that possibly in the future, Smile Train may partner with dental surgeons and prosthodontists when these children may come to need them down the road. God Bless the doctors and all those in the Smile Train organization for making children's lives so much better in such a shorter amount of time!!

It's been so easy to sign up for monthly donations and to know that even though I could not donate a large amount, it still can pay for surgery that will literally change a child's life. That's huge and I feel blessed that I can do it!

It brings tears to my eyes when I see these precious babies and children might be shunned or ostracized just for their appearance. These people need love growing up. We all need love. I will do what I can to support all I can on my retirement income, as I know their need is infinitely greater than mine. I will step up every chance I can.
My sincerest love to all that help these children and those Doctors and nurses that help them into a better life.

A truly remarkable and life changing charity! The hope of this charity brings to the many families affected by this problem globally cannot be underestimated. Thank you for all you do.

Very discouraging.
Very very difficult to answer your question on ‘is it a honorable gift’. When said yes. I got into lots questions.
Answered them all and noted most of the answers have a red * at the upper right box. I could not get thru. So I just took that check mark off. And the donation went thru.
This is a gift to my two young grand daughters under 10. When I got the donation request from you, I convinced them that $250 is better to be used for a child with upper lip cleft and palate, than used for their Christmas gift in 2022. I showed them pictures you sent. They agreed and I was ever so happy. They are young children, and not an easy task to make them understand. That is why I donate. But I could not use it as a honorable gift to them.
So I would like if possible that after the child received the operation, they will receive a picture of the child, prior and after the operation. And a short letter from Smile Train explaining why this gift meant so much more their Christmas gift.
If everything goes well, I intend to donate $250 for a child each year as a Christmas gift to my grand daughters annually . Just let them know that there are many disadvantaged children around the world that need help.
Helen

I am incredibly lucky that I was born in a country where a cleft lip and palate was operated on as a matter of course. Having seen an ad on the television a few months back showing children in deprived, third world countries who are unable to afford to have this operation, I have been wrestling with my conscience that I should be doing something to help.

Today, I finally got my act together and have donated the money for a child to have this life changing operation. I feel very lucky that I am in the position to do this. I can't believe how emotional I feel that by giving such a relatively small amount I will have helped a child get their smile back!

Thank you for everything you do.
You are all beautiful souls.
Creating a beautiful new Earth
A Earth that has Hope
A Earth that has Love
A Earth that has Peace
Children are our future and we need to teach them Hope,Love & Peace to create a better world.
Lots of love and light
Daniel Chakra

Apart from the problems of eating and talking, it is heartbreaking to see anyone shunned or bullied because of the way they look. So many people look or even stare in curiosity - sometimes in disgust - and I want to help in my small way, to change things for those children and adults.
With love, Maggie.

Thank you for your friendly reminders through not r media publication's bwe can help bring smiles to little children who are in need of them as we thank God for the incredible ministry of work you are doing to brighten up little children's lives as you are giving them the surgeries they need to feel good in being the incredible loving children they are. IJN we thank all of the medical doctors making little children smile and feel good in having a smile they can shine with and fit in. God bless each of you in how little children lives are being changed. Thank you for caring and having this organization available. ������

I had a cousin with a hare lip and cleft palate. They fixed the cleft palate, but really messed-up the hare lip (surgery was a long time ago)

Well done Smile Train. Your volunteer medical and support staff work so hard and give your time to put smiles back on many, many children and their families. Our daughter Clare knew doctors and nurses who gave up their time to help

Excellent charity, highly recommended, already donated multiple times. I want to see more children smile, every child deserves to look and be beautiful I'm glad this charity exists to help more less fortunate children be able to live a full life without judgement, normally a surgery like this would cost thousands of dollars in America, Great job to Smile Train, Inc for making it affordable. Huge thumbs up!! - Alexander K. (K-12) (Ktwelve)

Having been born with a cleft lip in the U.S., I was treated by an uncle who helped develop the plastic surgery for cleft lip repair. I was very fortunate. It took a few surgeries, but almost no one sees it now, some 60 years later. This is an important organization, and I donate monthly.

I feel what you are doing for children afflicted with this unfortunate deformity is honorable and amazing! Thank you for bringing joy and happiness into their lives!

I've watched all of the different videos and have seen all of the children, and even some adults. They don't deserve to live this way, especially the children. In one video I found out that cleft palette can also be the cause of death. It's an awful thing to be born into this world with.

Love these poor children. Well done Smile Train have followed you for years.

Your money is well spent donating to smiletrain charity navigator gives them two thumbs up and so do I.

dental charts begin in utero ������ Are the dental hygenists of DORSEY COLLEGE affiliated with your foundation? or GREAT EXPRESSIONS, USA?

Use it frequently to honor friends, family and those departed.

From viewing literature on the concerns of those needing children my heart goes out to the parents and family of the child with the cleft lip. My only child was blessed with a beautiful face -no cleft lip. But I can only hope this small donation helps put back love in that child’s life for the years to come.
May Christ continue to bless this child and the staff at Smile Train. ❤️❤️

The advertisement I saw on youtube was not forceful like many advertisements are. It was friendly which will make any person contribute even though they are not rich. What also made me react was the fact you included Africa as we know how many unfortunate people reside in the continent, my continent.

I donated to this charity a few months ago...
They sent me before and after photos of babies with this problem....they couldn't smile...
The After photographs of there SMILES WAS BREATHTAKING....������
We Come Into This World Empty Handed...������
We Leave This World Empty Handed...������
(Just A Reminder)
������...IT DOESN'T COST A PENNY TO SMILE...������

I cannot think of a better charity/cause to donate to. They often have matching fund drives so whatever you can give is worth 2,3 sometimes 5 times as much! Awesome!

Smile Train has transformed the lives of more than 1,500,000 children during the past 20 years. The results achieved by their skilled surgeons and medical professionals are truly miraculous. I am proud to support Smile Train and would urge anyone reading this to seriously consider giving whatever you can afford, to enable this wonderful charity to provide a brighter future for many more children around the world.

I am grateful for this organization and it's purpose. I am further grateful that I am able to make a difference in a child's life. Thank God for Smile Train!

I truly appreciate organizations like Smile Train. The stories tug at my heart. May God bless and guide the surgeons and other workers as they bring about miracles in the lives of these children.

Permanently changing children's lives for the better at a bargain price. Every chance I get I try to buy as much goodness for these children as I can - and what could be better than a NEW LIFE? Every donation transforms a child from a monster into a beauty.

I know what rejection and neglect feel like and I know what it's like for other kids to tease and taunt another child and No one should Ever experience that. I also know what it's like to have a medical condition that can be fixed and sometimes will go untreated because of lack of money or medical insurance.

I feel that No child should settle for something that can be fixed and change the rest of their life in so many different ways. This is Not just a "Look" this is far more serious then that and anyone that can and should help should know the difference and do all they can for anyone that needs it.

I was born with a cleft lip and palate. I was fortunate enough to have Dr.Dingham as my surgeon. He did my surgeries for free. He took care of me until I was 16. I now donate to this organization because of what they do. I became a surgeon so that I can give back too. I know what a life changing experience this is. Please donate to this organization and to the amazing doctors who give their time and skills to those children who need it the most

my father was a maxillo-facial and hand surgeon, who treated hundreds of cleft patients. i respect the work your group is doing, and contribute in his name.

Smile train has helped my nephew so much. They are amazing, professional, and so compassionate! Thank you for all that you do!

YOU ARE AN EXAMPLE OF HUMANITY, LOVE AND DIGNITY, A BUNCH OF GOLDEN HEARTS. THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO, AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

This was the first time i donated to this organization. I found them on the BBB list of accredited charities. Children should have a face they can love themselves first. We all know how people can be mean.

I support the work that they do but wish less was spent on fund raising and more on operations that improve children's lives. It was easy to donate online.

Smile Train does so much good for children around the world born with a cleft lip and/or palate. In this holiday season, Smile Train provides HOPE and JOY all year long for these children to live a happy and productive life. It is my honor to be a donor and be a small part in helping this organization achieve their goal: "Changing the World One Smile at a Time!!

Small cash all I have, big difference to someone's life

This is the fourth year in a row that we have donated to your wonderful charity, hoping we are able to continue giving each year.

EASY TO DONATE QUICK AND EFFICIENT. A CHARITY MY LATE WIFE AND I HAVE SUPPORTED OVER MANY YEARS

My gift to myself every Christmas is a smile--on the face of a child somewhere who needed help to have one. A lifetime gift that has the power to change a life. I smile myself, every time I imagine seeing theirs.
Smile Train gives the babies and little ones what they can get no other way--a beautiful smile.

I am a retired Neonatal Nurse who spent hours helping our littlest blessings begin their lives.
Being blessed myself with healthy children and grandchildren, it was time to give back. The surgery supplied by Smile Train makes such an impact in these children's lives. No more, unable to eat properly, no longer shun by their communities, and no longer on the sidelines watching kids play and not being allowed because of their looks. My heart said it is time to help these little ones. Thank you for the opportunity.

A wonderful gift to children in need. This non-profit is a godsend to many children who need surgery that might never have an option.

Life changing for recipients , really that simple. Wonderful people who make that happen

As a retired family nurse practitioner, I understand how this can change the life of a family. I donate thru Amazon as the organization I support and have sent money to Smile Train for many years. I'm happy to know that everyday they are improving the lives of all these families.

Yo tuve la experiencia y la fortuna de encontrar el apoyo de operación sonrisa en ese entonces, hace 45 años, cuando mi hijo mayor nació. Fue realmente traumático para mi darme cuenta que mi hijo había nacido con labio y paladar hendido, pero como lo digo afortunadamente encontré esta organización que me dió el apoyo necesario para que mi hijo pudiese avanzar en la vida sin problema gracias a las cirugías y tratamientos que recibió en su niñez. Siempre estaré agradecida con estas organizaciones que hacen posible que los niños con este tipo de problemas tengan una vida perfectamente normal y puedan desarrollarse humanamente acordeones principios cristianos. Gracias por su labor

I give to Smile Train in thanks because one of my great-grandsons was born with cleft lip and palate here in the UK where we are lucky to have the NHS to treat our children. He is a happy lively smart and well balanced beautiful child. I wish I could help all children born like this but will give what I can manage and be thankful

Smile Train is one of my favorite organizations.

There's a Buddhist teaching that says a smile is like shining a light in the darkness.

It makes my heart smile to support Smile Train! They send me pictures, stories, and updates. They save lives and bring big smiles to people all over the world!

The smiles on the parents says it all, but seeing the childs wish before surgery and afterwards and undoubtedly this is Life Changing Work that needs to keep helping others for free.
Will remember to donate every year, as long as I can.

Learned about this via Smile Pinki, the 2008 Academy Award winning short documentary.

Take care of yourself. And take care of somebody else.
- George Carlin

My husband received a donation request from Smile Train, Inc. years ago. I read the literature and thought what a great non profit org this is and we've been making donations every since then. You receive literature informing what your donation added to other donations does for these children. Its a good feeling knowing how we help a child grow healthier and healthier by having the surgery to correct clefts.

Very helpful l God Bless you
All !ce esto por un programa que vi en la televisión mientras estaba encarcelado
Pero Dios me dio la visión de cómo ayudar al prójimo sin nada a cambio es un largo testimonio pero para Dios nada es imposible ❤️

Donating was easy and felt secure. Smile Train, Inc. appears to be a highly-rated and worthwhile place to make a charitable donation.

I do pray all proceeds go to help them.
Our little intervention can make a life changing difference to the afflicted.
May our endeavours be rewarded.

As a nurse, I know the devastating consequences of an unrepaired cleft palate to the lives of children around the world. A cleft repair is a life-changing event for every child who receives one in countless ways, sometimes life-saving. Every time I give a monetary gift to Smile Train, I am enriched by having done so for the benefit of these children.

Great charity! I give monthly but you can give just once or as many times as you want! Give a kid a ������!

I love everything about this organization. Smile Train you are truly doing an awesome job. Thank you for all your do.

I support this charity because it is a priveledge to be able to help these children have a chance at a normal life and to eliminate any suffering they may go through because of this deformity.The medical teams involved are amazing to give of their time and expertise at no cost to the families. God bless all of them!

This is a very nice charity. I would encourage you to give monthly. It can make a big difference in a child's life.

No experience, just seem such a wonderful charity of kindness, care and love. That is why I decided to donate.

I am so excited to help. This organization is life saving.

I got an illness (not cleft pallet) and it feels good to help these children so they don't get teased and bullied like I did.

I have been wanting to give to this organization because they do so much with so little and just a little is all I am able to give. They made it easy to do online, too. Thank you for helping these precious children smile! :)

Longtime great charity! Well worth supporting! You can donate part of your ebay sales to Smile Train, too!

I was moved by the advert on TV showing those sweet kids who, hopefully, soon, through donations, will be able to smile.

Thanks for such amazing work! We, all parents in the world, give you a big thank you. God bless you.

I’ve supported smiletrain for over 12 years and love the way they operate- one child’s corrected palate changes the life of that child and their family. My own child has a a medical condition that currently isn’t “curable” but I’m at least living in a country where we have a hope of getting the cure if it becomes available. I cannot tell you what joy that would bring and what a difference it would make to our daughters life. Smiletrain try really hard not to waste a penny, ensuring they work with, rather than overlap existing medical care, making it possible for local professionals to do the work where this can be achieved, whilst monitoring quality and safety and keeping staff count low.

A fantastic way to help kids go through life without this unfortunate burden that thankfully can be fixed relatively easily.

I Love what they do; beautiful people helping those WHO CANT HELP THEMSELVES!❤

I had a child 50 years who was born with cleft palate who unfortunately died
as a baby and have supported Smile Train now for many years in memory of him and I think what this charity doing is amazing

Smiletrain does such amazing work, giving young people confidence in themselves and opening up a whole new world for them

This is by far, one of the most rewarding charities in the world. Knowing that a life can be changed forever, is such a wonderful gift to give. Thank you for making it possible for those people who dearly need it.

As a speech pathologist in training I learned about the challenges children born with cleft palates face. Surgical intervention can be life saving for infants who may not be able to suck. Surgical repair can give a child the gift of living a normal life.
SmileTrain provides this service to children who would not have access to this help otherwise. I am impressed with the wonderful work it does.

Good cause and simple website. I don’t know much about this field of work but I know they are changing lives for the better.

Just want to give back! Stay Blessed. I don't know what else to say, because that's all there is to it. But I needed at least 50 characters!

Ok, so I found out you guys want a story.
Hope this motivates someone to give back even if it's just a dollar!

All my life I've wanted lots of things. I'm obsessed with how things look, I've always had my sister giving me all I've ever wanted. And over the years I've tried to give as much as I can. But there were times where I didn't necessarily do it with what some may call "good intention".
Someone once taught me to pay it forward. And ever since then It took a while for it to stick. But it's all about giving, without requiring anything in return. I hope this really helps someone it's a bit vague, but it's the truth #Life
Peace and Love Kings and Queens!

Amazing to receive a photograph today of the "before and after" surgery of the child in Cambodia, who you used our donation to treat. It's made everyone here happy - thank you for your work and we will continue to support you.

I'd love to hope I made a difference to the life of a child.

I have lived in Africa for many years and seen first hand these poor children and their unneccessary suffering. Please good people, donate a sum every month to help put the smile back on that sweet little face. Bless you Mike

I recently found out about Smile Train through a mail package I received in my mailbox. The non-profit organization's mailing brochure was well-presented, telling the Smile Train story quite easily and thoroughly, and, since I'd not heard of Smile Train prior to receipt of their mail piece, i decided to dig deeper and see what has been published on their performance and delivery of
surgically corrected smiles. what I discovered was enough to convince me that Smile Train is a
well-run, highly effective, and committed organization that does what they say they do. I am pleased to have received the information on Smile Train, and I look forward to supporting this wonderful organization for many years to come. I just gave Smile Train a $1000.00, first time gift. Won't you join me? You can give as little as $25.00. Please join me in bringing smiles to the faces of children born with a cleft condition, children who would not otherwise have had the opportunity to look in the mirror and see their own smile . Thank you, Smile Train, for introducing your organization to me this morning.
Thomas Kemper
Dallas, TX

Having been born with a severe cleft palate in 1950 and with the help of wonderful doctor's who at the time used experimental procedures. Over years of operations and dental procedure I can say that I went on to become a teacher for over 40 years with out a severe speech impediment. I am forever grateful for their great vision.

I've been supporting SMileTrain for some time now, because what they do is really quite simple surgery, but which has a huge beneficial effect on the person and their friends and family. The cleft-lip is a really awful thing, and one would hope studies are being made into its cause, although I suspect it is genetic, like haemophilia.
So in the absence oF a cure for children yet unborn, SmileTrain offer the next best thing.

I have been donating to Smile Train for about two years. It is very heartwarming to see the smile of the children on their website who have had a cleft operation. Donating just $25/month is about the easiest way I know to spread love and goodwill to children and their mothers around the world. These children can be quite sad and lonely because of their affliction and I am grateful to be able to help.
Cheers

My donation to this group has everything to do with my dad. He was a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who repaired many cleft palates for children during his career. Every time I donate, it is for James W. Kelley, M.D. He has been gone for years, but the memory of his work and his empathy for others will always live on.

smiletrain does an excellent job helping children around the world
GOD BLESS!

I am grateful that I'm able to donate and help even if it is in a small way. What Smile Train does for kids around the world is inspiring.

After viewing the photos of these beautiful children on with this facial disfigurement my heart was broken. I knew I needed to reach out and help them receive the surgery they need to live a normal and functional life. The results of these life-changing surgeries it's amazing. Truly a worthwhile and deserving cause. Tony R.

Very worthwhile donation. All children with disabilities need and deserve our help.

I was offered an extension of %80 discount on high-priced sound equipment and the savings are now the childrens

Wonderful charity, easy to donate, doing an amazing job, thank you on behalf of the children.

Easy process to donate to a highly rated charity (Charity Navigator).

Smile Train is very generous about matching and do one of the most essential humanitarian missions in the world. It was perhaps the NYT who said that they were "the most productive charity, dollar for deed." Paypal partnered with them. That makes me trust that they are not just legit but exceptional in their desire to provide unselfish care. I've supported them for years and they have mailed me follow up photos of the surgeries I helped provide.

I don't have a lot of money, but to know that my $250. donation can make such an amazing difference in the life of one person is really rewarding. That such a simple operation can mean so much to someone is awesome. It's so simple; it's brilliant.

It breaks my heart to see this children with this type of problem, I can't imagine how much they suffer at home, school and in the community.
I wish I could donate even more, but I wish that even this small amount will make a difference in the life of a child.

I hope that everyone reading this review can feel the urge to donate to help on, two, three or even many children that have this problem.
Thank you Smile Train staff and volunteers for the great job you're doing.

Oscar

My children and I have always saved money as a family to give to Smile Train as often as we can. There is nothing more beautiful than a Childs smile. Thank you for all you do!

Sandra Fair

You guys doing a great job and thank you for giving me a opportunity keep up your gd works keep helping everyone ❤️

A blessing of God's work in place is being done within this organization.

Great chance to help remove the lifetime stigma these children face

It is an honor to participate in this simple way in the righteous work you do. Thank you for the opportunity.

I've seen the smile train commercial on many times but usually doing something else, so when I finally watched the whole commercial and realized how deeply affected these children are by cleft palate and how much it could help just to give a little, I couldn't resist donating. I commend the doctors and staff who take the time out to help these children, that is way more than just donating money. Smile Train is absolutely wonderful for helping cleft palate to get fixed.

The TV information was compelling.
I liked seeing the parents after their
Child’s surgery. It was easy to see it was life saving for the whole family.

We had a dinner reservation for this Saturday night but I was hospitalized.
That afternoon I saw the Smile Train
Infomercial.
The cancelled dinner would have cost about $250,i decided the money would be much better spent by creating a smile than adding pounds where they are not needed!

Saw the TV footage and wanted to help improve lives for these children. Great that the charity is doing so much for the children.

I truly see the dedication and efforts each and every person puts into this organization. They are constantly re-defining all the different ways we can support and help children who need surgery to live a healthier and happy life. Fortunate to be involved and thankful there is a huge team out there who dedicate so much time in making a change and helping children.

I've had the pleasure of working with the Smile Train for over 1 year and absolutely adore this organization. All the staff and volunteers are very professional and passionate about providing cleft care to children all over the world.

The Smile Train staff are very compassionate and make it clear that donations are making a difference in the lives of children.

Smile Train, Inc. has long been one of my favorite nonprofits to support. Their work is absolutely guaranteed to bring smiles. I appreciate the frequency of their arranged "matching" grants so that I know my contribution can offer as much as possible.
The surgeries they provide to children all over the world have so many levels of impact, physical and emotional. A cleft pallet can affect the nutritional status of a child, their self a worth and self-confidence, and their speech abilities. What a tremendous boon to each child and their family and community this change offers. Please keep Smile Train in your heart and give what and when you can. It truly will make a miraculous difference in the world.

I’m consistently impressed by the resources put out by smile train, as well as the dedication of the staff. Much of the team has been around for over a decade which speaks volumes to the culture.

Smile Train does the most amazing work to treat clefts and engage with people around the world. There are so many opportunities for people of all ages to get involved and make a difference!!

I first starting volunteering for Smile Train when I was in High School 16 years ago. I've supported them over the years with donations. I've now gone a step further and am fundraising for them. They are really well run organization who makes great use of the donations for an amazing cause.

Since my son was born with cleft lip and palate I started to following Smile Train. I had the chance to involved through my son´s surgeon here in Ecuador with Hospital del Dia Niños de la Mano de María from where I can have the opportunity to meet lot´s of mothers who suffered what I did years ago. All the experience I have reached from ST I am able to share with families that need help and support. At ST kids can have support before they are born, at ST you can have support on feeding, nutritions, all the needed surgeries, orthdontichs, speech therapy, etc. Throughout the years and after al the support you receive fron ST is more than your own family.

Smile Train is an amazing organization that is so committed to its cause. The team managers are amazing at helping you with your fundraising efforts and it always feels good to make a difference. This organization makes a HUGE difference!

Amazing organization doing amazing work! Cant say enough great things about SmileTrain, it's people, and the work they do.

I’ve seen firsthand how Smile Train changes the lives of not only its patients but their families and their communities. Keep up the great work!

We gave $60,000 over 12 years. That means 240 pallets fixed! I think of what that meant to the Moms. That is my emotional connection.

But something changed when they separated from the founder. I don't know. They lost track of me. I called and talked to a "head guy" who said he would fix. Nothing. So this year instead of a gift I sadly mailed back a special credit card sized card that showed pallets we fixed. I cherished that card, but they cut off our relationship. And even with the card back, no response from them. Very sad.

DR

I love the work they do. I have contributed for several years.
They do not publish an IRS 990 form with useful information. The salaries of management are not even listed.
I'd like a simple summary of (%) of donations used for programs. ($programs/$donations).
They seem to make it too hard do discover. Are they hiding something?
You can check the 990T at:
https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/cor/133661416_201806_990T_2019061016396533.pdf
ST is a terrific charity. I don't know about the organization.

I've been donating to Smile Train for a couple of years, and have visited some of the hospitals they support in Mexico and Central America. I must say it is an amazing job they do, they have created a Cleft Community: doctors, patients, families, donors and staff, they are all a big family changing the lives of the children, their families and their entire communities.

There are many charities doing amazing work in the world, but I believe this to be one of the best.
I want to encourage any size donation no matter if its a $1 to a million whatever you can afford, this group will make the most of they money they are given.
But if you can donate $250 you have forever changed a life, more than just a meal or clothes, its lifetime of effects, its social acceptance, for friends, school, work opportunities. Also its about thriving, some of those children can feed properly and if every calorie counts this can be the difference between life or death.
There is no single gift of that amount that impacts a life long change in another human in all aspects of their life from how they feel to how they are treated, and the ability to live a normal life.

Nothing feels better that you are able to put a smile on someone's face.

This is a life-changing organization that gives the gift of a smile and social peace to every child it serves. It restores them as important members of their community and builds confidence to live with joy and enthusiasm. The doctors and medical staff that provide this care are brave, competent and selfless. The peace that these surgeries create is felt by all humanity. Smile Train is a fiscally responsible and transparent non-profit. Their website is user-friendly and it makes it easy to update information in seconds. I love this uplifting organization, the children they serve and the opportunity to give the gift of smiles of joy. Cheers to a lives of happiness and connection!

"When you have done for one of these, you have done it on to Me" Smile Train might be secular but they make an impact on the lives of children that we will only know the true magnitude when we meet the Lord face to face. I can't imagine having a child with this condition and not been able to provide the means to change his/her life for the better. What a blessing is to live in the US. What a Blessing is to have organizations such as Smile a Train that have a commitment to do what ever is possible to give a helping hand and change a life for the better. May God Bless them always as they continue their work.

Smile Train is an incredible organization having helped provide over a million cleft surgeries to those in need. After seeing how their work can change a child’s life, it is impossible not to get involved. I have had the privilege of meeting some of their staff and their passion and dedication is infectious.

Smile train does so many nice things for people that would otherwise go untreated. The treatment they facilitate changes lives.

Smile Train has literally transformed the lives of children the world over. It is because of Smile Train’s incredible work, my husband and I are proud to be members of the ‘Frequent Smiler’ program. There is no sweeter sight than the beautiful smiles on the faces of children; especially those who have been touched by the work and dedication of the doctors and medical teams of Smile Train. Since 1999, Smile Train has supported more than one million cleft surgeries. Translation: Over one million smiles of children the world over!

Smile Train is one of the only not for profits that I've found which truly changes the life of the person helped - Donations are put to use in programs and you can see the end result so quickly, at least the smile! The long term effects have been proven to have very high and positive global economic impact, and that will surely only continue to grow! Definitely recommend supporting this charity.

I am blown away by the work that Smile Train does. As a Registered Dietitian, it warms my heart to know that the free health care and surgeries that they provide allow children to properly nourish themselves through eating. That to me is one of the greatest gifts you can give to a child and that's what Smile Train does every single day.

The work that this great organization does around the globe warms my heart. Being able to give a child not only a smile, but to give them confidence is something that lasts a lifetime.

The pictures tell the story- when you see the faces of the boys and girls with their new smiles - you feel good that you were able to help.

Great Charity that do important work, helping kids with Cleft palate . I've donated a few times (one off donations) and they've never nagged me or solicited for more donations, unlike other charities I've donated to in the past.

Smile Train get an A+ from me!

Smile Train is doing great work for kids who are born with cleft palate. I recently came to know that one of dry wall guys who are working on our new home in India, has son born with cleft palate and he is 9 month old now. My dad told me about it, so I recommend that ask them to contact the Smile Train affiliate doctor in near town. With all my surprises, my dad told me that they already got in touch and the operation is scheduled later this month, and everything will be paid by Smile Train. I was very happy that someone like Smile Train is out there to make sure every child has a Smile on his/her face and making sure that poverty cannot be a reason for it.

Great work Smile Train and please keep doing it.

I was told I would get an email notification after my first donation asking me to opt into monthly donations. I never got that email but they took my money monthly. This is a poor business practice.

Quite simply I think this one of the very best charities that a person can support. I can think of no other where you get so much satisfaction for your investment. The difference that these surgeries make in these peoples lives is beyond my comprehension.

Smile Train is the largest sustainable children's cleft charity in the world. Smile Train permanently transforms the lives of poor children born with cleft in 85+ countries worldwide and I have witnessed their work first-hand in Mexico and Argentina. Smile Train is the real deal!

This one of a handful of charities that I support. I have donated to them repeatedly. The work they they perform seems unmatched.

The very day I was led, by our Lord, Jesus, to support Smile Train, I saw a little girl that had undergone numerous surgeries for a cleft lip. Her parents had insurance but this still did not relieve all the expense of travel, loss of work, and emotional stress for all. Surgeries have given this little girl a beautiful smile that shines beyond all costs. That same day I saw a "Smile Train" semi-truck with a large portrait of beautiful smiling children, it could not be any clearer what is dearest to our Lord's heart & now mine, Children Smiling!!! :)

SMILE TRAIN IS AN AMAZING ORGANIZATION WHO HAS HELPED OVER ONE MILLION CHILDREN /ADULTS ACROSS THE GLOBE GET ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTHCARE. THEY ARE A DEDICATED GROUP OF PEOPLE WITH HEARTS OF GOLD.

Smile Train, Inc. has been my charity of choice for many years now. I picked them as my smile.amazon.com recipient of 1% of whatever I spend on purchases. I have asked them to provide me with a supply of their very motivational and inspiring video and I give these away wherever I can. It is so amazing to me that for something like $250 I can literally give one person a new life. Where can you find a charitable gift like that! It's a real bargain.

Smile Train does something no ordinary charity can. It raises a child's self worth. It makes an outcast child an acceptable member of the community. It thereby creates another possible creator of a cancer vaccine, or genius engineer, or philanthropic leader. The possibilities of a recipient of cleft pallet repair are innumerable.

There is a history of congenital cleft lip in my family and my affected relatives have been fortunate to live in a place where their clefts were corrected at birth. This organization makes it possible for people around the world in less fortunate circumstances to have the same life changing corrective surgery and they do it at no cost to the recipients and with almost nothing that is donated going for administrative costs. It is an amazing organization and I intend to continue my monetary contributions now and into the future. I hope you will consider supporting them as well.

Charity will not stop sending donations requests. Repeated requests have been ignored. Multiple requests a week for person who has been dead for five years and for another person who is in a rest home. Pure harassment to continually be bombarded with unwanted donation requests

According to Give.org, this charity sends out misleading information about the percentage of revenue used for their actual medical practice compared to payments to staff. They also hound you with solicitations, as is also mentioned in the Give.org report. I gave to them a few times in the past and then asked to be taken off their mailing list when I got phone calls and mailers hounding me for donations several days in a row. The solicitations stopped for a while until I got this email request AND another mailer on the same day.

I started making donations to Smile Train in response to mail solicitation. Within a short period of time I started receiving an unending stream of telephone solicitations on Smile Trains behalf from something called "Donor Services Group". Multiple requests to them to cease phone solicitations went unheeded. Smile Train has received its last donation from me.

Excellent organization does a fantastic job helping poor children around the world.

This charity is wonderful. It changes the life path of these children. Before the surgery, they are likely to live miserable lives , being ostracized by society, having low self esteem, and filled with self-loathing. After the surgery, the trajectory of their lives changes dramatically. They will fit in with society. They are more likely to have higher self esteem., and the sky is the limit for what they can accomplish. I can't think of any other charity that can have such a marked and positive effect on children' lives. It's incredible!

Love this charity. My wife and I have donoted to Smile Train for over 5 years.

This is a phenomenal organization! Their work is far reaching and helps children to go on to have normal, productive lives. Their site is easy to navigate of you plan to donate online. They have a lovely DVD about a little girl, Pinkie, who has greatly benefited from their tremendous work. This DVD can be used as a fundraiser for your organization to inspire others, as I did with my 3rd grade class. We smiled when we could help other children to finally SMILE!

I have been donating to Smile Train every year for many years. A smile means everything to a child and with this wondrous surgery, this is a gift of enduring value.

While in the Military I saw first hand how this organization makes an immediate and life changing impact on a child's life. It made me an instant supporter.

Growing up in the privileged US, I saw a friend of mine with a cleft palate be teased for his appearance. In these countries where Smile Train does their great work, these children are too often shunned by society for a physical abnormality. Our donations give these beautiful children a shot at life. I love this charity and their good works.

I have known Susannah for over 35 years, she is a great person and does a tremendous job for the kids helped by Smile Train.

Great charity to help kids. I am glad to donate to help these children. Will one day get rid of impoverishment and its inability to heal and foster goodness.

Wickedness is a problem that we can all take care of by 1 thinking better thoughts and 2 helping others.

Smile Train is a fantastic organization that aids children from all around the world! I donate whenever I am financially able. Smile Train is great about sending a before/after picture of a child who has been helped through donations. I love keeping these. The photos inspire me to give more and to pray for the children featured in each letter. Smile Train is a great organization which provides free surgeries for children with clefts. If you are looking for an organization to donate to, I would highly recommend this one!

This is simply a wonderful organization that provides life-affirming medical care.

I watched a video of someone different and my Dad told me about Smile Train and I loved it.

Thank you for helping people that are different.

Love, Ari

Smile Train is so easy to use, and despite the fact that I rarely see Smile Train advertising, I am always drawn back to it. Good luck!

I've been doing this for a while because a friend's child was born with a cleft palate. What I like about Smile Train is that I know exactly what my gift is doing. It's a simple thing, but it changes, perhaps even saves, a child's life. It's something that here in Australia, we take for granted - that any child born with a cleft palate will have the necessary corrective surgery. This is not the case in many parts of the world. If my gift can make a difference to child's life, to that child's family, then I've actually done something worthwhile. I will never meet these kids. They will never know who gave money to help them. And that's a good thing, because the message sent is that we don't have to know you to care about you. All we have to know is that they need a little help. I don't care what colour these children are, nor do I care how they worship their God, or if they worship at all. I care that they are given a chance to have a decent life and know that people they will never know cared enough to help.

Great organization that helps a lot of people in need

Our true purpose on earth is to love and help one another. Thank you for giving your time, talent, and money to forever forward change the lives of others in such a positive way. May good in the world spread like wildfire that never ends

Every Christmas my family buys a smile for someone child in the world. We have been doing it for so many years my children look for the card on our Christmas tree every Christmas morning!

Great sign-up page on the website. Easy to sign up and contribute. Happy to help!

We have given a smile every year for Christmas in our Aunts' and Uncles' honor. It's amazing to receive the picture of the child whose life was changed. My own kids get excited to see that sweet smile.

A great nonprofit charity to help kids around the world feel confident with their smile.

Doing GREAT work for so many less fortunate children around the world!!

Do wonderful work and help hundreds of children with a terrible problem that is not often talked about

"it is through people like this and acts of charity, that hope and the love of God in good and generous people shines in this world", God Bless!.

Smile Train is pure good in this world. They change a child's life forever. That child can join in, have friends, get married, and be loved without shame.
The best thing I think is that they train surgeons in other countries how to perform the operation, so they can do it independently. "Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime!"

I watched a documentary on Smile Train & I was hooked. I just raised the money for one child & I intend to keep going to help as many as I can. Thank you for all you do for these little gifts from God. They are so blessed to have you to help them.

Thank you for your great ministry. I'm proud to donate to your organization. thank you.

SmileTrain.org is an established charitable organization, which helps finance cleft surgeries for children from the impoverished, third world countries. I have been been a donor here for over a year. Since I am on a fixed income, I try to make a donation every two months. I have seen SmileTrain on TV inasmuch as on social media. It is a truly great charity that pays for great cause: cleft lip surgeries for children, who otherwise would not have been able to afford such surgery. One surgery costs $250 dollars, and SmileTrain welcomes gifts in any amounts.

This organization does some great work in the world giving children a chance to have normal lives by correcting facial birth defects. They have the lowest overhead and over 90% of the money donated goes directly to the surgical costs for the children. I have been giving to this organization for 15 years, and would like to be able to pay for every child in the world that needs cleft surgery. Hopefully through nutritional awareness about folic acid one day there will be no children needing this surgery. In the meantime, it is so important that we give these children a chance by helping Smile Train perform these very necessary surgeries. Thank You Smile Train for doing such beautiful work in the world!!!!!!!!!!

Joy our 13 year old daughter asked me to donate to smile train without telling anyone even anyone in our family. It was a short time after that i received a letter thanking us for the donation.the letter arrived on the same day as Joy's funeral. Joy was knocked off her bike and killed. I know on this her birthday (her 20th) she will be so happy i am donating on her behalf. Such a caring girl she felt the pain of others and wanted to help and that is why she chose such a worthwhile charity Smile Train to give her pocket money to. Thank you for giving Joy a smile and yes joy . Her dad Paul Soffe