America 250 Smile Bags
Smile Bags is a mission founded by Joel Anderson in 2013.
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Since its inception, over 200 Smile Bags have been donated across 12 countries, including China, Peru, and regions throughout Africa. Each Smile Bag is thoughtfully assembled with coloring pages, toys, art supplies, and small gifts—objects chosen to spark joy, creativity, and emotional connection for both children and adults.
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Smile Bags are distributed through trusted humanitarian and faith-based partners, including Christian ministry organizations such as Reaching the Hungry, America 139 International, and other aid groups working directly with communities in need.
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In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the mission’s current goal is to distribute 250 Smile Bags nationwide—five bags in each of the 50 states—extending the spirit of compassion, creativity, and shared humanity across the country. Joel, family, and friends distribute these bags personally.
Join the Movement
Smile Bags Fundraiser
Smile Bags is supported through donations and through Joel Anderson’s art sales, with a percentage of each sale going directly toward funding the mission. The project focuses on supporting veterans and their families, while also spreading joy to people of all ages. In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, contributions help support the goal of distributing 250 Smile Bags across all 50 states. Every donation and purchase helps sustain a movement centered on gratitude, care, and making people smile.