The Smile-maker Legacy
The “Smile-maker” event honors a legacy of community service started by our founder, Bob Gardner.
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Bob was known for looking for ways to bring a smile and joy to others by doing small acts of service, often while remaining unknown, but always without looking for recognition.​
Beginning in 2024, the Gardner Insurance Agency team selects a member of our community who embodies this “Smile-maker” spirit to receive the "Smile-maker Award".
Our “Smile-maker” chosen each year will select the non-profit that will receive the proceeds from our annual "Smile-maker" Customer Appreciation & Community Yard Sale Event.
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We hope you'll join us for our 2026 Smile-maker Event, being held on September 12, 2026, from 8 am - 1 pm
at Gardner Insurance Agency (606 E Main Street, Madison, IN).
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We will announce our 2026 Smile-maker Award Recipient and their Non-Profit Beneficiary live at the event!​
2025 "Smile-maker" Award Recipient & Non-Profit Beneficiary
2025 "Smile-maker" Award Recipient - McKinnon McIntosh
McKinnon McIntosh is a Carrier for the United States Postal Service. He has worked for the Postal Service for 17 years, beginning in North Vernon as a clerk, moving to Columbus with the same position, then returning to North Vernon to serve as a carrier. For the last 12 years he has worked here in Madison primarily servicing the downtown area on his carrier route.
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McKinnon shares that he loves his route here in Madison as it is a primarily walking route. "Madison is a beautiful town with its old brick homes and quaint little shops. I love that it is sleepy and quiet, yet fun and happening!" It is on this route in Madison where he has the opportunity to become acquainted with his customers. "I have wonderful people on my route!"
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On his route, McKinnon gets to service a variety of customers - government offices, small businesses, residential homes and non-profit organizations, including his choice for Non-Profit Beneficiary, The Madison Salvation Army.
To those who have the opportunity to know and interact with McKinnon, it should come as no surprise that he was chosen as our 2025 Smile-maker recipient. He always has a smile, a friendly greeting and goes above and beyond to take care of his customers and serve the Madison community through his position as a mail carrier. He is a true Smile-maker and we are grateful to have the opportunity to recognize him with this award!
2025 Non-Profit Beneficiary - Madison Salvation Army
Our 2025 Smile-maker, McKinnon McIntosh, had the opportunity to choose a non-profit in our community that was meaningful to him and who would serve as the beneficiary of all funds raised during our Community Yard Sale on September 6, 2025.
McKinnon serves many in the community in his position of mail carrier for the United States Postal Service. His customers include residential homes, government offices, businesses and non-profits. While the decision was at first difficult as he named off many non-profits he sees doing great work in the community, once he thought of the Madison Salvation Army, for whom he is the primary mail carrier, he was locked in. ​​
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"I chose the Salvation Army because of all they do for those in need. Between the soup kitchen, the shelter, the worship services and everything else they do, I feel like they do a great service to those that need it." - McKinnon McIntosh
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We learned during our conversations with Andrea Wooten, Director for the Madison Salvation Army, that they provide a variety of services to our community including:
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3,000 meals served each month
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Showers and Laundry services to those who do not have access otherwise
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Dental work for those without insurance and who reside in Jefferson County through their clinic
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Financial assistance for rent and utilities
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Clothing vouchers that can be used at the Salvation Army Family Store
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Emergency help after a flood or fire, when contacted
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Assistance with Christmas Toys and Clothing - in 2024, the Madison Salvation Army was able to provide 229 children with gifts for Christmas​
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During our visits with the Madison Salvation Army we also saw firsthand how they provide community spaces and a friendly, listening ear for those they serve. Andrea and her team truly have a heart for service for those in our community who need it the most.
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During the year, community members can support the work of the Madison Salvation Army by attending their various events including the Rockin' on the River Car Show, visiting their booth at Soup, Stew, Chili and Brew, and attending their Jingle and Mingle Kettle Kickoff. Community Members are also invited to donate at the Red Kettles during the Bell Ringing season either in person, or digitally, or sign up for a shift to help ring the bell at local businesses. Contact the Madison Salvation Army for more information.
We are grateful for the thoughtful effort McKinnon gave to selecting his non-profit beneficiary and equally grateful for the efforts of the Madison Salvation Army. They are a wonderful asset to our community and we are pleased to be able to support their efforts through this donation.
