[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 171 (Tuesday, October 24, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1415-E1416]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING DONOVAN SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 24, 2017

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 
to recognize Mr. Donovan Smith, who is a young entrepreneur and 
philanthropist, who has made a positive impact in our community through 
his soap making business.
  Donovan came to New Mexico in 2011 with his mother, Ms. Casey Smith, 
after falling upon hard times. Ms. Smith, a Navy veteran,

[[Page E1416]]

had lost her job, and was unable to find employment due to health 
problems. They were able to find a place to stay at the Henderson House 
in Albuquerque, which provides shelter for female veterans. After 
overcoming this experience, Donovan has dedicated himself to helping 
others.
  In 2014, Donovan was able to learn soap-making from his mother as a 
part of his math and science education. At the age of 11 he started his 
bath product business at a local market held every weekend. He soon 
began selling online specialty soaps made from ingredients such as 
goat's milk and aloe vera. He generously donated a portion of his 
profits to help fight homelessness.
  Donovan has also donated thousands of bars of soap to St. Martin's 
Hospitality Center, where the soap can be distributed to people in 
need. In light of his philanthropic work, TV personality Mike Rowe 
reached out to Donovan as part of his Facebook show, ``Returning the 
Favor,'' and set him up with a storefront in Downtown Albuquerque to 
continue his business and charitable work.
  In addition to his work to fight homelessness, Donovan has been a 
vocal advocate against child abuse in New Mexico. He received the 
McDonald's 365Black Community Choice Award, as well as the Good 
Samaritan Award by the City of Albuquerque.
  Donovan's story is inspiring and proves that with determination, 
amazing things can be achieved. I look forward to seeing Donovan's 
success grow as well as his continued efforts to make a difference in 
our community.

                          ____________________