Jan. 20. The Peninsula Community Foundation has awarded a grant of $6,000 to the Neighborhood C.A.R.E Center in the Smithville section of Cornelius and a grant of $5,150 to Little Smiles, which is a volunteer-driven, non-profit  that helps nurses, social workers, police and EMT’s bring joy to children in difficult situations.

The Neighborhood C.A.R.E Center grant will support an adult education program focused on teaching people in the community the basic skills of being an electrician. The program is designed to give these students the basic training and tools to qualify for entry-level electrician jobs and to assist them with job placement.

Little Smiles will use its grant to provide professionals with toys, supplies, shoes, car seats, clothing, special treats, holiday activities, and technology to children in hospitals. Their efforts help to keep kids happy, safe, clothed and connected to others during threatening health issues. In 2018 more than 5,500 children and teens benefited from services provided Little Smiles.

The Peninsula Community Foundation was started in 2002 by residents of The Peninsula neighborhood. Since its founding, the PCF has raised and donated more than $1.5 million for 37 charities in North Mecklenburg.