In the heart of Yorba Linda, California, a remarkable young individual made a significant impact on the lives of pediatric patients. Martand Bhagavatula, a compassionate and driven teenager, founded the non-profit organization, Kids and Smiles, at the age of eight. His only mission was to bring joy and comfort to children battling illnesses by providing them with toys, books, and other sources of entertainment during their hospital stays.

 The inspiration for Kids and Smiles came from a simple observation. While playing the violin for a youth group at a local pediatric hospital, Martand noticed that many of the children had few personal items in their rooms. This realization sparked a desire to make a difference. As he recalled, “I was playing violin for the youth group at a pediatric hospital,” he said. “And what I’d noticed is that most of these kids didn’t have anything in their rooms.” (Martand Bhagavatula, Alumni).

One unique aspect of Kids and Smiles is its emphasis on youth involvement. Rather than just collecting toys and distributing them, the organization creates youth-run events that encourage community participation and leadership. These events serve both as fundraisers and opportunities for meaningful community service. Martand’s dedication to service has not gone unnoticed. In 2015, he was honored by the City of Yorba Linda for his outstanding contributions to the community. During a city council meeting, Martand was recognized for his efforts in organizing events and delivering nearly 1,000 toys to hospitals across Los Angeles and Orange County. His work also gained attention from National organizations. In 2017, Martand was selected as one of the 34 students nationwide to join the National Youth Leadership Council, Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots program. This prestigious recognition highlighted the commitment to service and his potential as a future leader in community engagement.

 Through his commitment, Martand has not only brought smiles to the faces of countless children but has also inspired a generation of young people to take action and make a positive impact in their communities. In a world where compassion and kindness are sometimes in short supply, Martand Bhagavatula stands as a symbol of Hope and shows how an individual can make a difference in a community. His story serves as a reminder that no matter how young, anyone can take the steps to bring joy and comfort to those in need.