Merrissa Curtis, a special education teacher at St. Katherine’s Day School in Wynnewood, started the We All Smile nonprofit to help buy groceries for her students whose families were struggling during the pandemic, writes Beccah Hendrickson for 6abc.

Curtis is a support teacher for children with autism. When the pandemic forced the school to close, she did not lose contact with her class of five. And when she learned that some of them could not afford food, she sprang into action. She began by raising money with the help of her gymnastics studio and delivering groceries to her students.

Word of her efforts soon spread and her service grew by 25 families. As a result, the “We All Smile” foundation was created. So far, the nonprofit has raised $5,000 and held two successful food drives.

When the kids returned to school in September, the service did not stop. Curtis is currently wrapping Christmas presents to spread some holiday cheer.

“It’s a hard, hard year for a lot of people, but there’s also so much good of watching communities and people come together,” she said.

Read more about We All Smile at 6abc by clicking here.