Packed with Smiles

Packed with Smiles is a United Kingdom-based nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting children in need by providing new school uniform parcels and essential school supplies. Established with the mission to help children attend school feeling equal, confident, and prepared to create their own future, the organisation operates primarily in the Southend area, delivering vital assistance to local families facing financial hardship.[1][2][3]

Mission and Activities

The charity’s core purpose is to ensure that children in the community can fully participate in school life without the barriers caused by lack of appropriate clothing or supplies. Packed with Smiles distributes uniform parcels containing new garments and other school essentials, which might otherwise be unaffordable to families in need. This service helps foster equality and inclusion among school-age children by giving them the confidence to belong and engage fully with their peers.[1][3]

Packed with Smiles envisions a community where every child begins their education on equal footing, free from the social stigma that can arise from inadequate school attire. Their commitment is reflected in the charity’s motto, emphasizing kindness, love, and equality through community action.[1]

Impact and Community Engagement

The organisation has achieved significant milestones, including large-scale deliveries of hundreds of parcels annually, with the largest delivery reported in mid-2023 comprising 220 parcels containing over 3,000 items. These efforts have been lauded by families and schools alike, highlighting the positive difference Packed with Smiles makes for children facing difficult circumstances, such as housing instability.[1]

Volunteers play a crucial role in the charity’s operations. Packed with Smiles regularly engages community groups and corporate partners in volunteer activities, helping with parcel assembly and distribution, and fostering a spirit of giving back within the community.[1]

Registration and Governance

Packed with Smiles is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales under charity number 1182038. It is governed by regulations applicable to charitable organisations within the UK, ensuring transparency and accountability in its operations.[2]

This summary reflects the charity’s ongoing dedication to improving the educational experience of disadvantaged children through practical support and community-driven efforts.

[1] https://www.packedwithsmiles.org.uk [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5135374 [3] https://www.packedwithsmiles.org.uk/get-involved/ [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5135374/contact-information [5] https://oraclepublications.co.uk/charity/get-to-know-local-childrens-charity-packed-with-smiles/