Johnston’s Smiling Angels Society recently donated 50 duffle bags for children and youths in care at Adoption RI in Providence. Each bag was filled with a homemade doll courtesy of the Cranston Senior Enrichment Center, as well as a plush blanket and toiletries.

The organization pursued the project after learning of the ongoing need for new duffle bags and suitcases for foster youth who often move from placement to placement without a proper means of transporting personal belongings. The organization's mission is to provide kindness to all children, adults, seniors and communities within the New England region.

Smiling Angels was established in June 2014 and has approximately 12 members. The group is always looking for volunteers. The group participates in Random Acts of Kindness Day on Feb. 18, giving away gift cards, scarfs on trees and small treats. Each July, the organization gives away free beach toys to children at our local beaches. It also holds a special needs dance free of charge each year in August.

Smiling Angels has given out awards to students on Mother’s and Father’s days for writing about their moms and dads, and it has junior members who help support animal shelters and donate their time. The group is also very active with veterans and Operation Stand Down Rhode Island.

Pictured, from left, are Kathy Boyd, Marilyn Berube, a child named Mila, Sandra Boisvert, Lisa Mesiti Sidoti and Carla Mesiti.

(Photo courtesy of Carla Mesiti)