ABOUT US

Smushy’s Squishies was founded in 2023 by ten-year-old Larissa Karpeles after her brother Max spent several days at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Fort Lauderdale. During his stay, Max was given the chance to choose a toy from a simple cardboard box — a small act of kindness that lifted his spirits and helped him heal.

Larissa was surprised to learn that there wasn’t a permanent, year-round place in the hospital for children to receive new toys. Inspired to change that, she teamed up with her parents to create Smushy’s Squishies — named after her childhood nickname “Smushy,” a symbol of comfort and warmth.

“Sometimes the smallest gifts make the biggest difference.”

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to bring comfort and joy to children during their hospital stays by giving them a brand-new toy they can keep. We believe a simple gift can spark hope, brighten a day, and remind a child that they are cared for and loved. Through the support of donors and volunteers, we work to ensure every toy is chosen with care and delivered with kindness.

OUR VISION

We envision a future where every children’s hospital has a permanent toy station filled with gifts that bring happiness to young patients. Our goal is to create moments of joy that help children feel less alone during difficult times. By building a network of compassion, we hope to make hospital stays brighter for children everywhere.