Every Sunday Jim Baldwin helps those struggling within the Inland Empire community with his foundation, the Smile Seekers, to help let them know that they aren’t forgotten.
Smile Seekers is an organization that was started by Jim Baldwin 26 years ago. Jim and his wife, Nancy, were inspired after they went to do some charity work in Kenya, Africa and helped Pastor Ezekiel help build wells and homes for orphans and widows. That same energy was brought back and was the inspiration for the Smile Seekers.
When Kim, the Smile Seekers Social Media manager and lifelong member of the Smile Seekers, was asked about their mission she said “Our mission is to help those who are forgotten, don’t stay forgotten.”
The forgotten not only means unhoused people, but also senior citizens that live in convalescent homes. Prior to COVID, the Smile Seekers would go to convalescent homes dressed as clowns and bring smiles and sing to the elderly twice a week. Since COVID they have not been able to go back because of the large crowds they bring, but are developing ideas to help restore that program.
Every Sunday Jim and the Smile Seekers meetup at the local Little Caesars and buy 25 hot and ready pizzas to help those who are hungry. The Smile Seekers also give out fresh fruit from the local Ralphs, drinks, snacks, toilet paper, and any kind of necessities that those who are struggling might need. The organization takes any kind of donations and 100% of the money received goes right back to the community. Before they go to Carlson Park to feed those gathered there for food and supplies, everyone gathers up for a prayer and pep talk that is led by Jim. After that everyone fills up their cars and caravan over to Carlson Park.
When at Carlson Park the team sets up tables and asks everyone in line who needs what. The lines were long and filled with people seeking food and supplies.
While others were getting food I asked Winda, a person who has been meeting the Smile Seekers for 2 years, her thoughts on the program and she said “Everybody is so nice to us. They are doing this because they think it’s the right thing to do. They are not rude to us at all and everyone, including the kids, are very friendly.”
Alberto, a person that comes when he can, said “You can get food, water, paper, and pretty much anything you need, but you gotta get here early.”
The supplies are limited and are a first come first serve basis.
Biggie Smiles Seekers, a member for 16 years, wanted to share a message and said “Contact us! It (Smile Seekers) will change your life. If you are going through anything negative, we are all about positivity and will help. We also have programs for the homeless to get better, people who have addictions, we have programs to help you and we’ll guide you the right way.”
Anyone who is interested in the Smile Seekers can easily join or donate. The Smile Seekers meet up every Sunday at 12 at the Little Ceasars in the Magnolia Shopping Center in Riverside and caravan over to Carlson Park. Anyone can join, all you have to do is bring a smile.