CHELSEA – Heavenly Smile, Inc. recently kicked off its 2017 Christmas Project at an open house event on the afternoon of Sunday, July 16, at its office in the Chelsea Centre.

Heavenly Smile, Inc. Director Kim Bradley said the Christmas in July Open House doubled as the beginning of the Christmas Project and a way for the organization to increase community involvement.

“This is for awareness. People came and saw what we do,” Bradley said. “There were a few people who came and didn’t know about everything that we do.”

During the event, representatives from Heavenly Smile, Inc. displayed their food pantry, took up donations and discussed the success of previous assistance projects.

Bradley said they also announced plans for the expansion of Heavenly Smile, Inc. services in 2018.

“We hope to be able to make our food pantry twice its current size,” Bradley said. “We also plan to expand our self help classes, which are offered to the public.”

According to Bradley, the event had a sizeable turnout and involved various organizations around the community.

“We had about 43 people attend,” Bradley said. “It was a come-and-go open house. Some of the people who came were from local groups that we’re involved with.”

Through the Christmas in July Open House, Bradley said Heavenly Smile, Inc. raised $350 in monetary donations alone.

“We’ve also got a table full of toys and food items for the pantry,” Bradley said. “We appreciate the community and everyone who came out to support us.”

Bradley also thanked other local organizations that have collaborated with Heavenly Smile, Inc.

“This community is a very giving community,” Bradley said. “Without the support of other groups, we would not be able to do what we do.”

Heavenly Smile Inc. is open on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons by appointment.