Teen trio launches Tears to Smile initiative
A youth-led initiative is making a real difference in Heidelberg, providing food and support to needy families. Now, it calls on the community to join the effort.
Thandolwethu Nkabinde (17) launched her Tears to Smile initiative in Heidelberg.
The project aims to uplift and support the community’s less fortunate.
While the initiative is not registered due to Thandolwethu’s age, its impact is already being felt.
Thandolwethu is working with partners Noxolo Nkutha and Mbali Buthelezi to make a positive difference.
Tears to Smile began on July 12, with its first food drive on August 2 in Shalimar Ridge.
Initially, the founders cooked and funded the food drives.
In August, the initiative received a request for urgent help from a Ratanda family. The members visited homes in the area to collect donated food and clothing to help the family.
The response was overwhelming.
The family was helped twice, with food delivered on September 1 and a follow-up visit on November 16.
“The community opened their hearts and cupboards to help the family. For us, being so young did not scare them. Their generosity helped us help the family in need,” said Thandolwethu.
Since then, Tears to Smile has received more requests for help, but resources are limited due to the founders’ ages.
The initiative needs donations, sponsors, or partners who share its vision and want to make a difference.
To support Tears to Smile, call Thandolwethu on 071 030 1351.
