Operation Smile
Operation Smile is a non-profit service organization that provides cleft lip and palate repair surgeries to children worldwide. It works as a non-governmental organization to reduce the occurrence of cleft lips and palates worldwide; develops ambassadorships to raise awareness of cleft issues; sponsors a World Care Program for international cases requiring special care, and more. As of 2013, Operation Smile had provided more than 200,000 free surgeries for children and young adults born with facial deformities.
The Iota Chapter of Sigma Omicron Pi at Penn State hosts our annual Operation Smile Benefit dinner every spring semester at a local church located downtown and sell dinner tickets, which all proceed goes into donation. Started in 2014, with the intention of raising awareness and donation all year round, we started incorporating our fundraisers in our Fall Semester Philanthropy Week (sometimes called Operation Smile week) where we host activities and events. In the past, we have sold handmade emoji pillows, homemade desserts, popsicle stick picture frames and interactive activities.
In the recent past 3 years, we have raised more than $2000 for Operation Smile, which is equivalent to around 8 surgeries provided!
If you would like to make a donation today, please email us at psu.sopi@gmail.com
Philanthropy Events
Besides our Chapter Philanthropy, Operation Smile, we also are extremely active in other philanthropic events.
NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY:
Every year, we have a organization to raise awareness and donations for. We usually set up tables at the HUB first floor to provide more information on the cause of those respective organizations. We also brainstorm interactive games or activities where people can participate in to not only learn more about the purpose, but also collect donations for those organizations.
The benefiting organizations in the past few years were:
2017-2018, 2023: Hopestart International
2016-2017: The Malala Fund & #62milliongirls
2015-2016: The Malala Fund
2014-2015: Autism Speaks & Books for Asia
OTHERS:
We have also volunteered our time or donated money to these causes:
Toys for Totes: Toys drive.
State Sweep: After Penn State football home games, we would help clean the street by picking up the trash.
THON: THON is the largest student-run philanthropy committed to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. We set up fundraisers and have participated in the 46-hour dance marathon!
