Our Story
The story of A Smile For Children begins with Profe Chelo, Aurelio López, a beloved teacher in El Burrión who dedicated much of his life to his community.
With his own hands, he built a cardboard sleigh and began a Christmas journey through the streets of El Burrión with a simple but meaningful purpose: to bring joy and hope to the children of his community. Over time, that Christmas parade became a tradition celebrated every December 25th.
His three children, together with the García family, came together to continue what he had started. As the parade grew, so did the ways they gave back. They began collecting toys, shoes, clothing, food, and other essentials for children and families throughout the community.
Inspired by this tradition, the García family took the initiative to create what we now know as A Smile For Children Foundation.
Today, our Christmas celebration has grown into much more than a parade. Every Christmas Day, our family dresses up, decorates cars as festive floats, and travels through the streets of El Burrión handing out candy and small gifts. The procession leads to the town center, where the celebration continues with toys, bicycles, food, music, photos, activities, and time spent together as a community.
Year after year, more people have joined in. Local ranchers participate in the procession on horseback, a Vintage Buggies club brings its vehicles, and local musicians and bands volunteer their time to perform. Community organizations contribute gifts and activities, while local civic leaders and public officials have joined the celebration to show their support and connect with families.
For many of the children and families we serve, financial circumstances can make experiences like receiving a new bicycle or toy or enjoying a special Christmas celebration difficult to have otherwise. Our hope is to create a day where every child has the opportunity to simply celebrate, feel special, and experience the joy of the season.
As A Smile For Children grew, we knew our work did not have to stop when the holiday season ended.
Through our annual Back to School Drive, we provide local children with backpacks filled with notebooks, pencils, folders, and other essential school supplies. Our goal is to help students begin the school year feeling prepared and motivated while easing some of the financial burden that back-to-school expenses can place on families.
Whether it's a bicycle on Christmas morning or a backpack for the first day of school, every effort comes from the same place: a desire to bring more joy, support, and opportunity into a child's life.
At A Smile For Children, we believe even a simple gift can have an impact far beyond the moment it is received.
For a young child, a new toy can create a lasting memory. For an older child, a bicycle can provide independence and transportation to school or work. A backpack filled with school supplies can help a student who may not otherwise have access to the materials they need feel prepared, encouraged, and excited to learn.
Our mission has never been about the items alone. It's about creating joy, supporting opportunity, and showing children that their community believes in them.