GREENSBORO, NC-- As a way to keep herself busy over the summer, one 16-year-old Greensboro girl decided to start her own non-profit organization.

 

What You Need To Know

  • Hetti Price-Bailey had big plans this summer to study climate change in Iceland, but due to COVID-19, those plans were canceled

  • Hetti makes personalized care packages for children with life-threatening illnesses

  • Since May, Hetti has sent out 47 smile boxes to sick children across the country, some as far as California, and she has 50 on a waiting list right now


Hetti Price-Bailey had big plans this summer to study climate change in Iceland. Due to COVID-19, those plans were canceled. So, with a little extra time on her hands, she decided to start her own non-profit organization called “Hetti’s Smile Boxes.”

“I just love seeing people happy and I really like helping out in my community, so I want to make a different no matter how small it might be," Price-Bailey says.

She makes personalized care packages for children with life-threatening illnesses. This is something she has seen first hand, as three of her grandparents have had cancer and her uncle has a brain tumor. Her mission is to bring smiles to these children's faces.

“I really want to make a difference to other kids, they are just kids and I want to help them and I feel like packages and the toys will make them smile and make their day better, even though it’s only for a few minutes," Price-Bailey explains.

She gathers information on each child before sending them their box, picking out toys and gifts to match their age and their preferences. Since May, Hetti has sent out 47 smile boxes to sick children across the country, some as far as California. She says she has 50 children on a waiting list right now.

“Many parents of the kids sent videos or pictures of the kids when they open their packages, and I love seeing their faces light up. It makes everything worth while and I re-watch the videos again and again because it makes me so happy, and I just love it," Price-Bailey adds.

Parents and friends can nominate a recipient via @hettissmileboxes on Instagram. She is also raising money on GoFundMe so she can continue to make her smile boxes.