Pantry Partner Spotlight
Katie Haynes from Youngsville has a mission: helping others in need of a little joy and comforting through all the hard times. And she’s doing an excellent job.
In 2013, Katie organized her first holiday toy drive for children living with chronic illnesses and special needs. More than a decade later, the organization she founded, Smiling While Sending Hope, has built a network of events to uplift children and families, including those supported by RMHC Triangle.
We first met Katie when she pulled up with a box truck filled with toys for kids at Ronald McDonald Houses in Durham and Chapel Hill. With humility and sincerity, she said she just wanted to help kids at Christmas – and that she understood how it felt to be sick. With the help of her community, she raised money and collected holiday gifts for families at RMH and at local hospitals.
These days, Katie’s toy drive has expanded to include food for families. She also distributes to many nonprofit organizations that help kids with special needs. An amazon wish list keeps donations directed to the items she needs most. Katie also prepares goodie bags and organizes regular activities for families.
Katie and Smiling While Sending Hope are critical partners to RMHC Triangle. We thank you for your selfless work, Katie!
