Spreading Smiles Recognized For Providing 'Meals, Shoes, Gifts' To Needy Children

Fredericksburg, Virginia — Every community has its bright spots — the neighbors, businesses and local favorites that make it feel like home. As 2025 comes to a close, Patch and T-Mobile are recognizing the people, places and moments that made this year brighter in Fredericksburg through our Best of 2025 series.

This story was submitted by Barbara Kauffman, who nominated Spreading Smiles - Renato’s. To share your own Best of 2025 nomination, click here to answer a few questions, and we’ll take it from there.

Who or what are you nominating for Best of 2025?

Spreading Smiles - Renato’s

How did this person, place or experience make a difference in your life or community this year?

Thousands of meals for hungry kids. Shoes, backpacks and Christmas gofts for needy children. And over 1000 Thanksgiving meals for needy on Fredericksburg. Their contribution to the community is beyond measure.

What would you like everyone in town to know about your nominee?

Over 8000 meals for the needy. Hundreds of pairs of shoes and coats to those in need. And over a thousand Thanksgiving meals. Hundreds of Christmas gifts for needy children. Spreading Smiles is having an enormous impact on our community.

If you could tell them one thing, what would it be?

Thank you Renatos. And all the dedicated, hard working volunteers. Congratulations on a VERY successful 2025. Next year will be even bigger and better!

What’s something you love most about your town or community?

This community is giving and caring. There are many unspoken heroes.

We want to hear from you, too! Is there a restaurant, a contractor, a business, a person — even a place — that’s your pick for Best of 2025? Click here to answer a few questions, and your story could be featured on Patch.

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