Will Smith Talks How 'Collateral Beauty' Inspired New Project, Helping Him Cope With Dad's Illness

— -- Actor Will Smith's role in "Collateral Beauty" has not only helped him cope with personal matters, but inspired a real-life project amid the holiday season.

Smith stopped by “Good Morning America” today to recognize three notable organizations that assist in the lives of children, part of his efforts to help young people find their "why,” which is similar to the theme in his new movie.

"It was a really beautiful aspect of the film," he said. "One of the opening ideas is, what is your 'why?' Why do you get up every day? Why do you do what you do? [It's] beautiful around the holidays. It's a good time to get back to why you do what you do.

"For me, I found my 'why' is to improve lives."

Smith, 48, was joined by three kids -- Albert Pillot, 14, of the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Queens, Elsa Lyons, 11, of the National Dance Institute, and Hailey Richmond, 7, from GenerationOn, who all announced their "why’s."

"My why is I help people with Alzheimer's disease and I solve puzzles with them and it stimulates their brain," Hailey said.

"What I love about the National Dance Institute is I can express myself ... [be] truly me and everybody will embrace me for who I am," Elsa said.

Albert, who helps in the leadership program with the Boys and Girls Club, said he just wants to "bring people together."

Smith's character in "Collateral Beauty,” Howard, suffers a heartbreaking loss, leading him to write three letters venting to Love, Time and Death.

The film, which is being compared to cult classic "It's a Wonderful Life," has helped Smith cope with his father’s falling ill, he said.

"What was beautiful to me was to have an opportunity -- my father was sick during the time so I was able to share the preparation with my father," Smith said. "[I]t was that beautiful blending of art and life at the same time. And so some of the experiences the character was having, I was having in my own life. I think the people will see and feel the openness that I was able to get and the honestly that I was able give to this character."

"Collateral Beauty" hits theaters Friday.