Who they are in their own words:

"September Smiles is a group of women who were pregnant when we lost our husbands on September 11th, and we have banded together to fan the flames of kindness that were kindled on that tragic day. We are an entirely volunteer organization, and 100% of all contributions go directly to our beneficiaries

September Smiles has three goals: 1) To collect new and gently worn baby-care items that will be delivered to new parents who really need them, 2) To pay forward the kindness that has been shown to us by a generous public, and 3) By accomplishing the first two goals, to honor our husbands and all those who lost their lives that tragic day.

On October 7th, the women of September Smiles will get together for a luncheon, sponsored by the Hard Rock Café, to assemble 300 gift baskets filled with goodies from our corporate sponsors. The gift baskets, designed to pamper new moms and accompanied by cards bearing the names of those who died, will be donated to New York area organizations with an infrastructure for delivering them to parents living in poverty. This year, the selected organizations are Room to Grow, Inwood House, and the Paige Whitney Babies Center.

During the week of October 5th, we will hold a drive in the New York City area to collect much-needed infant care products. The public may bring their gently worn baby items (please see How To Help page) or financial contributions to collection locations including the Hard Rock Café and any of the 40 participating New York area Gymboree Play & Music locations and retail stores. These items will also be donated to our selected organizations. Donors wishing to receive a tax-deduction for their donation will receive a receipt in the mail from one of the three beneficiary organizations.

In addition, on September 24th, Parents Magazine is hosting a kick-off luncheon to generate enthusiasm for September Smiles as well as making a generous donation of toys for our beneficiaries.

It is our most sincere wish that all children may grow up with the loving support they so need, and we hope that the generous strangers who came out in droves to support the children who lost parents on September 11th will continue such kindness by supporting those countless children living in poverty.

We ask that you
Remember the names
Remember those you've loved
And those you've lost
Remember those you never even knew
Remember that through it all...
September Smiles"