Gifts-In-Kind
Gifts-In-Kind Partners
Operation Smile began in 1982 as a small band of committed medical volunteers, led by our hearts to respond to human need. Over the years, we have developed strong partnerships with corporations like Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies and Abbott. These companies have provided long-term support through in-kind contributions and are more than just a resource; they are an integral part of the Operation Smile family.
Operation Smile understands that donors are moved to help by the stories and images of children worldwide suffering from cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities. You may seek to help through in-kind donations, but we urge you to contact us first before gathering items or making plans for an in-kind donation.
Donations of goods in small quantities must be cleaned, sorted, stored and transported overseas – which requires considerable time, money and staffing resources. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that the governments concerned will allow these commodities into the country or areas where children live without proper coordination.
Contact Dena Liston at (757) 321-7624 to discuss specific needs.
Operation Smile is not only working to meet standards set forth by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but has instituted stringent new safety measures and universal equipment requirements within the organization as well.
Thank you for your understanding. We would be pleased to discuss with you the ways in which your potential in-kind donations can help to meet the current needs of children and young adults worldwide.
For more information about in-kind contributions, please e-mail Dena Liston or call (757) 321-7624.
Donor Spotlight
Stratic
In November 2007, Stratic, a German luggage manufacturer, donated 48 lightweight trolleys to Operation Smile. Stratic’s innovative use of Aero-Bi-Laminate, used in the automobile industry, makes its trolleys ultra light, steady and strong.
For the World Journey of Smiles, Operation Smile put Stratic’s highly acclaimed luggage to the test as 20 staff members and volunteers used the donated pieces to carry their luggage all over the world. Ed Basilio, Operation Smile’s warehouse packing and receiving manager, carried one of the trolleys to Vietnam. He was amazed at how easy it was “to maneuver in any kind of position; standing, leaning, or sideways.”
Jann Schultz, Director of Donor Relations, experienced the Stratic's lightweight trolley on her mission to Ethiopia. Jann loved the spacious interior. “I worried about my ability to fit everything I needed into the case, yet there was some give and flexibility, allowing me to add my final shopping spree (Ethiopian Coffee) into my full suitcase.”
Operation Smile is honored to have the support of companies like Stratic worldwide. In addition to their generous contribution, Stratic is committed to finding ways to increase awareness and "visibility" of Operation Smile in Germany.
