Nicole Mercado
Charity
Growing up in Tampa, Nicole Mercado was what she calls a “toy drive kid.” Her Christmas gifts came from a charitable organization, her clothing came from thrift stores and her meals were purchased with food stamps.
“My parents did the best they could, but we didn’t have much,” she says.
Mercado is executive director of Little Smiles, a 20-year-old nonprofit organization in Palm Beach Gardens that helps South Florida children struggling with illnesses, homelessness and other difficulties.
Mercado joined Little Smiles three years ago but has been working in the nonprofit world for 13 years. She started her journey as a volunteer with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society after her father was diagnosed with cancer.
“I had no experience, but I had a passion. It set the track for my career,” she says.
Little Smiles brings toys to kids in hospitals; clothing, shoes and toiletries to children who are victims of abuse; food to children living in shelters and to families spending time with their children in the hospital.
Little Smiles kicked off its annual toy drive in late September. It’s one of the biggest areas of need. Although the organization works with 32 area partners year-round, the toy drive is for the community at large. The need is huge.
“Last year we had 700 families reach out to us, in addition to the groups we usually serve. We brought in 10,000 toys last year. We need all the toys we can get,” Mercado says.
Although everyone loves to buy toys for kids, there are age groups that often are forgotten.
“We are thankful for the Barbies and Legos, but we also have a huge need for infant toys and items for teenagers. Those are the pockets we are trying to fill,” Mercado says.
Their Little Smiles’ Project S.M.I.L.E., which stands for Special Moments Impacting Lives Every Day, partners with law enforcement agencies to provide basic needs for homeless, displaced and abused children in Palm Beach County.
“I know what it’s like to receive support from my community. It’s truly something that drives me every single day,” Mercado says.
Little Smiles, 3569 91st St. North, Ste. 4, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33403, 561-660-8745, nmercado@littlesmiles.org, littlesmilesfl.org
Wonder Women Special Advertising Section