Everyone knows that in life, a little act of kindness goes a long way. Making someone else’s day doesn’t take much, just thoughtfulness and empathy. At Cardozo, the student club Operation Smile is established by these ideologies. Recently, Operation Smile members created bracelets for children awaiting surgery. 

The club started when Mahjabin, an alumnus of Cardozo, created the club. She was inspired to help children with cleft lips, hoping to share kindness and brighten their days. Now, student Diya Amin has continued the club’s legacy.

Love and passion drive Operation Smile, in which the members raise awareness to children with cleft lips, to make a difference in the world. The club wants the children to feel love and feel cared for. “We want them to know that wherever they are, we are rooting for them,” Amin stated.

On Nov. 6, Operation Smile held an event to create bracelets for kids with cleft lips and palates. The bracelets all had sweet messages in them such as “smile” and “good day.” All the bracelets were handed to a non profit organization to distribute them to children who were about to undergo surgery.

Hannah Lin, a member of Operation Smile, shared a childhood story, “When I was younger, I was always nervous about doctor and dentist visits. I would cry from fear before each appointment, but afterward, my aunt would give me a small toy to cheer me up.”

“That simple gesture made me feel so much better, and it helped me realize how a small gift can bring comfort in tough moments. Now, I want to share that same comfort with the kids going into surgery,” she shared.

Operation Smile can be found creating smiles for the new generation every Wednesday in room 157. Come by and inquire about joining the club if you too want to spread smiles.