Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation is pleased to welcome Little Acts of Love (LAOL) as a guild in support of the patients and families of Nicklaus Children's Hospital.
Little Acts of Love is dedicated to creating community impact at Nicklaus Children’s and beyond, giving of their time, talents and treasure. The student-led guild is made up of young ladies in Miami who have gone beyond their community service duties to build awareness about pediatric health, fundraise and volunteer at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.
In less than a year since the group's creation, Little Acts of Love has partnered with several local businesses to raise more than $7,000 for Nicklaus Children’s through its Dance-A-Thon. Directors Danielle Castro and Jasmine Riveron Castro from Inspire Dance Company provided facilities for the Dance-A-Thon and volunteered their time. Other collaborators included Shana Wexler, Nicole Guzman, Sandra Portal Andreu, Taudrey Jewelry Company, and Salsa Fina. This event was such a success that Little Acts of Love is working toward another Dance-A-Thon this August.
Most recently, Little Acts of Love was able to respond to the immediate need of a Nicklaus Children’s patient who was suffering from a rare skin disease and did not have family support at the hospital. Within 24 hours, members fundraised more than $700 to provide clothes and personal hygiene products for the patient. These are types of little acts of love that make a difference in the life of a child.
Other charitable initiatives to Nicklaus Children's include the donation of toys valued at $2,000 for Spread Joy, the distribution of goody bags and the creation of Tik Tok videos, all to bring smiles to patients and help lift their spirits.
“We are so grateful to work with such inspiring students who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of our patients and families,” said Lauren Tulowitzki, director of annual giving at Nicklaus Children's Hospital Foundation. “Our future is brighter because of young individuals like them who are eager to learn about needs in their community and are committed to giving back.”
Little Acts of Love has grown to more than 50 students over the past year, from Ferguson Senior High, Miami Arts Studios Middle High, Terra Environmental Senior High, Coral Reef Senior High and Westminster Christian High School, and most recently opening a chapter at Pinecrest Glades Prep Academy.
The group’s community impact extends into the broader Miami community with various initiatives supporting a Homeless Care Drive for One World One Heart, Kristi's House and Volunteer Beach Clean Ups.
“When it is safe to visit the hospital, we look forward to volunteering our time at Nicklaus Children's Hospital so we can interact with patients and bring more joy,” said Alyssa Chaine, president of Little Acts of Love. “In less than a year, we are proud of our group’s work to make a meaningful impact for the community, and we are excited to continue changing the world through little acts of love.”
Learn more about Little Acts of Love and donate to their guild at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital: www.nicklauschildrens.org/littleactsoflove. Find them on Instagram (@littleactsoflovemiami) and Facebook (@littleactsoflove).
Founding Members: Alyssa Chaine, President; Amanda Ferrin, Vice President; Katerina Diaz; Melany Fuentes; Sophia Tamayo, Secretary; Madison Wilder, Treasurer; Mia Beato; Giana Romaguera, Public Relations. Additional Members: Gabriela Pita, Abby Castaneda, Yvanna Yepes, Ella Fernandez, Laura Perez, Sheissy Fernandez and Jade Chaine.
LAOL Pinecrest Glades Chapter: Carolina Calle, President; Sinia Granizo, Vice President; Isabella Gutierrez, Secretary; Sophia Ruiz, Treasurer; Amberlyn Garcia; Camila Galvis; Natalie Daniels, Public Relations.
Additional Members: Emily Abellan, Angelina Albrecht, Mya Alfonso, Gabriela Anderson, Kiara Breto, Nadia Cabanzon, Alexa Calvo, Ana-Camila Castilo, Isabella Concepción, Gabriella Concepcion, Melanie Costa, Annette Diaz-Llinas, Sophia Fabelo, Amanda Gutierrez, Veronica Gutierrez, Alexandera Lazo, Samantha Leon, Anabella Lopez, Izabella Lopez, Maddison Lopez, Claudia Luis, Lexi Mansilla, Ana Martinez, Melanie Martinez, Anabelle Menendez, Valeria Milian, Sanya Moten, Daniela Pacheco, Sofia Restrepo, Valentina Reyeros Arguello, Destiny Rodriguez, Gabriela Santana, Cynthia Varela and Alexandera Vasquez.