Emilio Nares Foundation Launches Holiday Smiles Campaign for Kids Battling Illness
The Emilio Nares Foundation is launching its Holiday Smiles campaign with a goal that’s both ambitious and necessary – raise $100,000 and collect 500 toys for children at Rady Children’s Hospital and CHOC Children’s Hospital of Orange County who are dealing with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
For some of these families, this will be the only holiday celebration they have this season, which puts the campaign’s importance into perspective.
Why This Campaign Matters
ENF works year-round helping families navigate their children’s cancer journey and other serious illnesses, supporting patients in the Transplant, Oncology, and Sickle Cell Units.
The Holiday Smiles campaign funds holiday celebrations where children can open gifts, share a meal, and experience some normalcy during an incredibly difficult time. But it also supports ENF’s year-long programs that provide ongoing care and resources to families.
Elsa Morales-Roth, Executive Director of ENF, explains: “Day in and day out, the staff at Rady Children’s Hospital work alongside ENF to provide inclusive care for every patient and their families. This campaign is our way of giving back to both the families we serve and the healthcare heroes who make such a difference.”
This year, ENF has seen higher demand for support due to impacts on equitable healthcare access, which makes hitting these fundraising goals even more critical.
How You Can Help
There are three ways to participate. First, monetary donations directly support patients receiving quality care and help spread holiday cheer beyond just this season. Every donation of $50 or more earns an entry into a raffle for one of four prizes, with winners announced on January 6 – Emilio Nares’ birthday.
Second, you can donate new, unwrapped toys at various drop-off locations throughout San Diego County.
Third, if you can’t donate money or toys, volunteer your time to wrap gifts or pack snack bags that get hand-delivered to hospital units. It’s the kind of hands-on contribution that makes a tangible difference for kids and families who need it.
The Bigger Picture
No child should miss the magic of the holidays, but for families dealing with life-threatening illnesses, maintaining traditions and celebrations often falls off the priority list out of necessity.
ENF steps in to ensure these kids still get to experience that magic – opening presents, sharing meals, feeling like regular kids even when they’re spending the season in a hospital.
The campaign benefits both the patients and the hospital staff who care for them year-round. Recognizing and supporting those healthcare workers matters, especially during a season when their work doesn’t stop just because it’s the holidays.
See you there!
Donate money, drop off toys, or volunteer your time – whatever you can contribute helps ensure kids battling serious illness still get to celebrate the holidays.
📆 Campaign runs November to December 31, 2025 | Raffle winners announced January 6
📍 Drop-off locations listed here
ℹ️ More info here
See you there, San Diego!
