Spreading Smiles One Heart At A Time

Give the gift of childhood magic—help ensure every kid experiences the joy they deserve.

Weekly Weekend Meal Bags

At Spreading Smiles, we believe no child should go hungry-especially over the weekend.  Our Weekend Meal Bags Program provides nutritious, easy-to-prepare meals for food-insecure children who may not have reliable access to food outside of school. Each weekend, we distribute meal bags to nearly 400 children, including McKinney-Vento students, ensuring they have enough to eat when school meals are unavailable.  In our community alone, there are nearly 1,000 children experiencing homelessness, making this program more critical than ever.  Every bag costs just $5 per child per weekend to assemble and includes a milk, juice, bottle water, 3 snacks, 2 breakfast items and 2 ready to eat meals to sustain them through the weekend.  With demand growing, we need your support more than ever.  Join us in the fight against weekend hunger!  You can support the Weekend Meal Bags program by donating, volunteering, or purchasing items from our Amazon list below.

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Our Programs

  • Thanksgiving Meals for Underserved Families

    In 2024, we provided 1,500 warm Thanksgiving meals to families in need, ensuring they could enjoy a holiday feast together.

  • Holiday Gifts for Children

    We brightened the holidays for 180 children in 2024 by distributing gifts to those facing financial hardship, bringing joy and hope during the season.

  • Easter Baskets for Children

    In 2024, we offered 300 Easter baskets to children battling cancer, homelessness, or other difficult circumstances, bringing them a sense of comfort and celebration.

  • Backpacks for Success

    Our initiative provides essential school supplies to ensure children start the school year equipped to succeed, fostering educational growth and confidence.

  • Summer Meals Program

    Addressed summer hunger by providing nutritious meals to children during the months when school is not in session, helping them stay healthy and energized.

  • Hygiene Lockers Initiative

    Stocked Hygiene Lockers with essential items to promote self-esteem, health, and well-being, ensuring every child has access to the basics they need for personal care.

  • Clothing and Shoes for Children

    Supplied new clothing and shoes to children, ensuring they have the essentials to feel comfortable and confident in school and everyday life.

  • Meals During Snow Closures

    Provided meals during snow days and school closures, ensuring children continue to receive nutritious food even when schools are unexpectedly closed due to weather.

  • Gift Cards for Families

    Distributed small denomination gift cards to families in need, enabling them to purchase essential items like food and clothing. Through partnerships with local schools, we work with social workers to identify families facing hardships and help them with dignity and respect.

  • Veteran Support

    Assisted veterans who have stepped in as caregivers, helping them create joyful experiences for the children in their care and providing resources to support their well-being.

  • Weekend Meal Bags

    Provide food packages to children in need, ensuring they have access to meals over the weekend when school meal programs are unavailable.

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Our Mission

Our mission is to spread joy, hope, and the magic of the holidays to children facing adversity. Through programs that provide meals, gifts, school supplies, and essential items, we’re committed to creating lasting memories, offering vital support, and ensuring every child feels cherished, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Why It Matters

Every child deserves to experience the magic of being a kid, but for many, financial challenges can steal away those precious moments. We believe no child should miss out on the joy of the holidays, the excitement of new school supplies, or the comfort of having what they need to thrive. By providing essentials like gifts, backpacks, and clothing, we’re making sure that every child gets to feel the magic, no matter their circumstances.

About us...

For years, Ristorante Renato has been working closely with local school social workers and community organizations to provide programs that meet the immediate needs of children and families in our community. In 2024, with the support of our ownership and patrons, Spreading Smiles was officially established to expand these initiatives and continue fulfilling our mission.

Spreading Smiles is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and families in Fredericksburg and surrounding counties who face significant challenges. Our mission is to bring joy, hope, and essential resources to those who need them most.

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