Tied Together With A Smile

A New Jersey Non-Profit Founded by Keelin

Bringing comfort, connection, and joy to children in long term hospital stays.

My Story.

From a Birthday Wish
to a Lifelong Mission

My Story.

From a Birthday Wish
to a Lifelong Mission

At just 10 years old, I made a birthday wish — but not for myself. Instead of presents, I asked my friends to bring new, unwrapped toys for children in long-term hospital care. I received about 30 toys and met with the Child Life Team at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital in New York City. This is the same hospital where my siblings and I were born and where my grandparents were both doctors. The feelings felt that toy delivery day were amazing! The certificate and explanation I received from the Child Life Team filled me with pride. I knew at that moment I needed to feel that again!

Over the years I have collected over 300 toys for Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital in New York City. I ran a local toy drive in my community and online, requesting donations of new toys for the same hospital. I reached out to everyone I could and even sparked the eye of a local mom who happened to be a childhood cancer survivor and Instagram influencer. She explained to me how people just like me, donations just like these, got her and her family through the most difficult time in her young life. This mom today, is healthy and active in our community and is enjoying life to the fullest. Her husband and four children are amazing examples of kindness and giving. I am thankful for her outreach and online connections, because I started receiving many Amazon orders from people I never even met before, but who found my Toy Drive Project important and meaningful. That was the moment that sparked a lifelong commitment. I knew at that moment; I could do even more!

Now, as a High School Senior and Girl Scout Gold Award Recipient, I’m taking my purpose even further — founding a nonprofit that will bring comfort to hospitalized children and their families year-round.

Our Purpose

To support the emotional and physical well-being of children receiving long-term hospital care by raising awareness and collecting funds to provide gifts, comfort items, and emotional support — one child at a time, all year long.

600 +

Toys Collected

2 +

Hospitals Served

600 +

Smiles Delivered

Testimonials

Thank you very much for giving me the UNO game. I have played it with my mom and we have laughed for a while while I teach my mom how to play it. I am from Venezuela and I must be in the hospital for 5 days with medicine for my pain before surgery. Thank you very much

Thank You so much for the doodle book my daughter got while in Columbia hospital! It really enlightened her day and have her what to do while recovering from head surgery. Thank God she's doing gr8 now and she's recovering at home. She broke her skull from a bad fall. Thank You once again for ur generosity and thinking of others! May u always b on givers end and never on receiving end!

We wanted to say “thank you” for the Uno cards! Johnathan is having so much fun with them! Your donations to the hospital is so generous and you should be so proud, as a troop, to give such kindness to kids who are in the process of fighting an illness and / or healing 🙏🏻🖤

Thank you for providing toys for the hospital as part of your silver award. It made this patient’s day. Best of luck and praise on your Girl Scout journey!

Hi Thank you very much for gift, today my daughter Melissa birthday, she was very sick in the hospital , she is very happy with barbie Thank you very much ❤️❤️

1. Every dollar helps buy comfort items for children.

2. Start your own toy drive in your community.

3. Join our ambassador team to spread smiles.

Our long-term goal is to make multiple donations throughout the year to children's hospitals across the state — and one day, across the country. With your help, no child will feel forgotten during their hospital stay. Children celebrating birthdays and holidays or a child who needs a little present just for them when they get out of surgery – that is our purpose.

Donate Today

Our New Jersey tax-exempt ID has officially been issued!

If a financial donation would suit you best, please contact me at TiedTogetherWithASmile2025@gmail.com while our site updates. In the meantime, if you’d like to help share some smiles, click below to visit our Amazon Wish List and make a donation! 💛

My Story

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