A Simple Call That Changed Everything

Paul “Chip” Donohue ’89 VSB was driving home after a successful fundraising event for a local hospital. During the drive, a nurse from the pediatric ward called him. She explained that Della, a young patient with a brain tumor, was having a difficult night. Because Donohue had met Della before, the nurse asked him to stop by.

When Donohue arrived, Della brightened immediately. She lay on an air mattress and could not move. When he asked how he could help, she made a simple request. She wanted to watch the movie Jumanji.

Seeing a Need Inside the Hospital

Donohue went to the nurses’ station and asked for videos. However, the nurse told him the hospital had none. This shocked him. Earlier that day, the hospital had raised millions of dollars. Yet the children had no simple entertainment.

As a result, Donohue decided to take action. That moment sparked the idea for Little Smiles.

Putting Children First

Most hospital fundraising supports major projects, such as new buildings and equipment. However, Donohue noticed another unmet need. Children also needed comfort, joy, and normal moments during long hospital stays.

Meanwhile, he saw nurses using their own money to buy socks, toothbrushes, and books for patients. Therefore, Donohue and his longtime friend Jeff Mullen ’88 VSB created a plan. They would support nurses and bring happiness directly to sick children.

Together, they founded Little Smiles, a nonprofit organization. The group helps children facing serious health challenges by providing entertainment, resources, and emotional support. For example, Little Smiles delivers games, movies, computers, outings, and sports tickets.

A Grocery Cart Full of Joy

Mullen first joined the effort during a visit to Donohue in Florida. He expected a casual night out. Instead, Donohue took him to a supermarket. There, he asked Mullen to fill a cart with snacks and treats kids love.

Next, Donohue ordered 20 pizzas. Soon after, they arrived at a hospital. Nurses loaded the food onto gurneys and delivered it to the pediatric floor. Watching the children’s excitement changed everything for Mullen. From that moment on, he committed fully to the mission.

Growing a Volunteer-Driven Mission

Today, Little Smiles operates in South Florida and eastern Pennsylvania. The organization plans to expand nationwide. Its guiding motto remains simple: “Anything for the kids.”

Nurses identify children’s needs and submit requests online. In many cases, Little Smiles delivers items within 24 hours. Because of this fast response, the organization relies heavily on strong partnerships with hospital staff.

Support From Nurses and Alumni

The Villanova Nursing Alumni Association endorses Little Smiles and encourages its use. Nurses across hospitals continue to request support for their patients.

At the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, patients have received laptops, concert tickets, and sports experiences. In addition, children attend the annual Stars Ball, where they dress up, arrive in limos, and walk a red carpet.

Keeping Hospital Life Fun

Donohue and Mullen constantly create new ideas. For example, children receiving chemotherapy now enjoy Nerf gun battles in treatment rooms. Surprise pizza nights also help families connect and build community.

Even today, inspiration strikes everywhere. When Donohue recently spotted remote-control helicopters kids could launch from their beds, he immediately shared the idea. Once again, the goal stayed the same—bring smiles where they are needed most.