APRIL | 2026

SMILE OF THE MONTH

Sara, a determined 16-year-old, is rebuilding her life after a sudden move due to safety concerns at home. Despite the upheaval, she remains deeply engaged in school and has found a passion for welding that gives her purpose and direction. She even talks about making welding her career. Sara shines each day in class but must stuff socks into borrowed steel-toe boots to keep her safe. In addition, she’s lacking a pair of everyday shoes, which sometimes causes her to skip school. We sent a gift card for a pair of steel-toe boots and regular shoes. Sara hasn’t missed a day since, and her welding projects earned top marks this semester!

ORGANIZATIONAL NEWS

YOUR IMPACT

March’s numbers are in, and we helped 2,160 kids this month! All thanks to you – our donors.

PATTON OSWALT CONTINUES TO SUPPORT US!

Keep your television channels set to Jeopardy on April 17. One of our biggest supporters, Patton Oswalt (yes, Remy from Ratatouille!), will battle it out for Jeopardy dominance. Patton’s first quarterfinal game will pit him against fellow actors/comedians Margaret Cho and Robin Thede. Check your local listings for times, and cheer on Patton as he plays to benefit Alice’s Kids!

Not one to rest on his laurels, Patton also joined Tawny Platis’ show String and Tell, which will air on April 9. He and Tawny discussed voice acting, life in general, and made friendship bracelets – all in 20 minutes! Want a Patton Oswalt original? They are being auctioned off, and, because Patton is the GOAT, Alice’s Kids will get the proceeds!

Click here to learn more and get a link to watch his episode.

"GRATITUDE LADIES" DONATES $5,800!

We’re grateful to the Northern Virginia-based "Gratitude Ladies" for selecting Alice’s Kids as a recent recipient of their collective giving. Our Executive Director, Ron Fitzsimmons, joined the group for lunch and shared a brief message about our mission and the importance of dignity for children in need. Their generosity resulted in a $5,800 donation that will directly support the kids we serve. To learn more about the group, click here.

FREE WILLS

In case you missed it, last month we announced a partnership with Free Will, which provides our supporters with a free estate planning tool. It’s a simple, secure way to create or update your will. It takes about 20 minutes and is entirely free, and already 19 people have signed up! Click here to sign up or learn more!

FRIEND OF THE MONTH

Susan McGraw has been a very diligent gift card volunteer since 2019. Prior to retirement, she was a beloved preschool teacher at St. Aidan’s Day School in Alexandria, VA. Fun fact: she taught one of Ron’s sons! Susan is married with two kids and two grandchildren. She loves nature, hikes with her husband frequently, and has an uncanny ability to spot birds in trees - especially bald eagles!

IN ADDITION TO OUR USUAL REQUESTS,

IN MARCH WE PAID FOR...

New red Crocs for a child whose well-loved pair developed a hole.

A guitar for a 16 year old who wants to learn to play Mariachi music.

A Senior Ball gown for a young lady who was accepted into 10 colleges!

A memorial necklace for an 11-year-old boy whose father was shot and killed.

A birthday cake and gifts for a 6-year-old girl who escaped an abusive father.

A suitcase for a child in foster care who frequently has to change homes.

An alarm clock for a child whose mom works the overnight shift and isn’t home to wake him.

A sturdy backpack for an 11-year-old boy who was being ridiculed for carrying all of his books and papers in his arms.

A standing desk that can move from class to class for a 14-year-old child who needs to be able to move his body during learning. He was abandoned by his mother, and his sister is unable to afford the medication he needs for his ADHD.

Alice's Kids is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that seeks to enhance the self-esteem of children in need by providing them with targeted individual assistance to facilitate their participation in scholastic, recreational and social activities.