Bringing Smiles and Connection All Year Long
The Council on Aging – Southern California SmileMakers Program brings comfort, joy and meaningful connection to older and disabled adults living in long-term care (LTC) facilities throughout Orange and Riverside counties.
Through three ongoing community projects, SmileMakers helps ensure residents feel remembered, valued and connected throughout the year:
Centennial Smiles Project: Celebrating residents who reach the remarkable milestone of 100+ years young with handmade quilts, lap-blankets and special recognition.
Holiday Gift Project: Collecting, wrapping and distributing more than 6,200 personalized holiday gifts called “Angel Tags” to long-term care residents throughout Orange and Riverside counties each holiday season.
Valentine’s Day Card Drive: Sharing over 4,ooo handmade Valentine’s Day cards and heartfelt messages of kindness with residents throughout our community.
2025 SmileMakers Impact
Holiday Gifts Delivered
Volunteer Hours
Volunteers
Brighten holidays for a Long-term care Resident
This holiday season, you can make a personal difference through the SmileMakers Holiday Gift Project.
Each year, thousands of Angel Tags are created for residents living in long-term care communities. With the support of individuals, companies, volunteer groups and community organizations, SmileMakers fulfills their personalized holiday gift requests and helps make sure residents know they are remembered.
See SmileMakers in Action
Every Angel Tag represents a real resident and a personal holiday wish. Each year, volunteers, businesses and community groups help turn those wishes into more than 6,200 individually wrapped gifts for residents across Orange and Riverside counties.
From adopting Angel Tags and shopping for requested gifts to wrapping and preparing thousands of presents for delivery, every step is powered by people who want to make the holidays brighter for their community.
Watch Our Story
See the heart behind SmileMakers in our 2025 program video. From holiday gifts to heartfelt moments of kindness, discover how a simple gesture can remind a resident that they are remembered and valued.
Choose How You Can Make a Difference
Whether you participate in one project or support SmileMakers throughout the year, there are many ways to get involved.
Adopt an
Angel Tag
Make the holidays brighter for a long-term care resident by adopting an Angel Tag featuring their name and personal gift request. Purchase a gift for one resident or invite friends, coworkers, or your organization to adopt multiple tags or host an Angel Tag Drive. You can also support residents by purchasing frequently requested gifts—including lap blankets, jackets, sweaters, T-shirts, and activity kits—from the SmileMakers Holiday Gift Wishlist on Amazon.
Get Your Group Involved
Companies, employee teams, volunteer groups, service clubs, faith communities and other organizations can make SmileMakers part of their community service efforts. Adopt Angel Tags, create Valentine’s Day cards, support Centennial Smiles or volunteer together throughout the year.
Want to learn more? Host a one-hour Lunch & Learn and we’ll share how your team can make a meaningful difference.
Donate to SmileMakers
Your tax-deductible contribution helps SmileMakers provide gifts, supplies and meaningful experiences for long-term care residents throughout the year. Our corporate sponsors shine as integral supporters of our signature fundraising events.
Learn how your donation can enhance these events while bringing brand recognition, attendee engagement, and volunteer opportunities for your employees.
Volunteer Year-Round
Give your time and talents to SmileMakers. Individuals and groups can help prepare holiday gifts, create cards, support Centennial Smiles and participate in other activities throughout the year.
Let’s inspire others to help make a difference in the lives of older adults in our community.
Make SmileMakers Your Holiday Giving Project
Bring your employees, colleagues, volunteer group, service club or community organization together around a holiday project with a personal impact.
Groups can adopt 25 or more Angel Tags, each featuring the name of a long-term care resident and their requested gift. Your group shops for the gifts, and SmileMakers coordinates their distribution to residents.
It’s a meaningful way to combine team building, community service and holiday giving while making a personal difference for local residents.
Every Act of Kindness Matters
Whether you celebrate a resident turning 100, create a heartfelt Valentine, adopt an Angel Tag, volunteer your time or make a donation, you can help an older or disabled adult living in long-term care feel remembered, valued and connected.
Learn how you can get involved and bring a smile to someone in need. Contact Jamie Cansler at (949) 395-7158 or email [email protected], or submit the form below.
A Special Thank You To Our Sponsors
