(Charlotte, NC, January 28, 2014) – Designed to raise awareness and collect oral care products for at-risk children and teens, the America’s ToothFairy Smile Drive will be held this February, National Children’s Dental Health Month. Students United with America’s ToothFairy national youth movement partners including HOSA: Future Health Professionals, volunteer dental professionals and members of the America’s ToothFairy Affiliate Network of non-profit children’s oral health programs will facilitate campaign activities in communities nationwide including oral health educational presentations, Meet the ToothFairy events and screenings. Donated toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and rinse will benefit their local America’s ToothFairy Affiliates, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and other non-profit organizations serving vulnerable populations.
With participation from 3,900 Walmart locations, the America’s ToothFairy Smile Drive will promote oral health for families across the nation. Community members can visit their local Walmart® to drop off donated oral care products for local at-risk youth in the America’s ToothFairy Smile Drive Box and pick up their free Kid’s Activity Packs including America’s ToothFairy Kids Club free membership cards, ToothFairy 101® educational activities for children and coupons from Crest and Oral-B, and Walmart. Patrons donating to the America’s ToothFairy Smile Drive can share their experience by snapping a selfie and using the hashtag #SmileDrive2014 on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
“We are so grateful that Walmart, an America’s ToothFairy Proud Underwriter, is helping to ensure children across the nation benefit from our National Children’s Dental Health Month campaign,” said Fern Ingber, NCOHF President & CEO. “Their participation in the America’s ToothFairy Smile Drive, combined with support from Kid’s Crest® and Oral-B® Stages® products at Walmart, will help promote healthy smiles for all children while helping to give at-risk youth the tools they need to prevent the pain and embarrassment associated with tooth decay.”
As the primary beneficiary of the campaign and program partner of National Children’s Oral Health Foundation: America’s ToothFairy, BGCA has a strong commitment to a healthy lifestyle for the youth they serve. Through the America’s ToothFairy Youth Mentoring Program, BGCA has incorporated oral health mentoring activities into their Clubs.
“We are honored to be the primary beneficiary of the America’s ToothFairy Smile Drive and are excited Clubs nationwide will receive vital oral care products,” stated Linda Wiltse, National Vice President of Healthy Lifestyles at BGCA. “This program combined with the America’s ToothFairy Youth Mentoring Program and restorative care will encourage the young people we serve to live healthier lives and give them the resources they need to be successful.”
National Children’s Oral Health Foundation, known as America’s ToothFairy, was formed in 2006 as an aggressive response to eliminate pediatric dental disease by providing community programs with comprehensive resources to deliver vital educational, preventive, and treatment services to children most in need. Supporting the delivery of oral health education and care beginning at the prenatal level, America’s ToothFairy, recognized as Canada’s ToothFairy in Canada, engages caring dental professionals and the general public in programs designed to promote children’s oral health. Through the generosity of dedicated Underwriters including Walmart and support from Kid’s Crest® and Oral-B® Stages® products at Walmart, America’s ToothFairy has reached millions of children through its non-profit clinical network, Kids Club and volunteer professional and student community service programs.
About National Children’s Oral Health Foundation: America’s ToothFairy®
National Children’s Oral Health Foundation: America’s ToothFairy (NCOHF) is dedicated to raising awareness of the #1 chronic childhood illness: pediatric dental disease, facilitating the delivery of comprehensive oral health services and eliminating this preventable disease from future generations. With a growing Affiliate network of exemplary non-profit community programs, the America’s ToothFairy Kids Club, professional and student service programs, America’s ToothFairy is building a powerful, united effort to eliminate tooth decay and protect the smiles of our most vulnerable children. Also extending services in Canada as Canada’s ToothFairy, NCOHF is reaching children throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.AmericasToothFairy.org.
