Operation Smile

A couple of years ago, my husband Seth and I donated for the first time to Operation Smile. For just $120, we were able to cover half the cost of a surgery that would change a child’s life. With one simple and inexpensive surgery to correct a cleft palate, a child who might otherwise face a lifetime as a pariah will be able to have a completely normal life — no disfigurement, no speaking problems, no social stigma. Everything changes with just $240. WOW. And I have a reason to be extra-excited about Operation Smile: months after our donation, I learned that the organization was co-founded by an alumna of my own high school, Academy of the Holy Angels.  Another “angel” out there making a difference – I love it!

This year, we’ve made a family decision to commit to providing one cleft-palate surgery each year, by donating to Operation Smile at the start of Christmas week. What better way to reflect on all the blessings in our own life, including the things that are so easy to take for granted, like a healthy smile… and pass the blessing along, in the true spirit of giving each holiday season. For us, it will be a wonderful way to start out each holiday season.

I know… the holidays are already an expensive time of year. Many of us will spend as much as the cost of a cleft-palate surgery on the groceries to prepare a holiday dinner for a houseful of family and friends; many of us will spend even more than the cost of a surgery on holiday gift shopping.  As always, the key to living a kind life is to start by being kind to ourselves — adding another $240 to the month’s credit card bill may not be a healthy idea for everyone right now. However, if we each just do what we can, when we can, we all will be working together to make this world better for all living beings. Maybe, instead of donating now, you can plan to make a contribution mid-year; maybe you could donate the cost of a surgery, in full or in part, in the name of your spouse, sibling, or friend, and make that your gift to them this holiday season.

Humans & Nonhumans — Everyone Matters
Most of the time, I’m talking and writing about animal-related efforts, but I think it’s important to acknowledge that helping animals does not preclude helping humans. Often, when the subject of animal-related causes comes up, people say to me: “Let’s take care of the humans first, and then we can worry about the animals.”  My reply is always the same: We can do both! I’ve had more than a few friends persuaded by this simple response and, as a result, more willing to spread the kindness to nonhumans and humans alike.

Bonus Tip!
Look into whether or not your employer has a matching gifts program for charitable contributions. We were elated to find out that Seth’s employer will match any donation we make to Operation Smile, up to $1000. So with our donation, we’re able to change the lives of two children.

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