The America’s ToothFairy Smile Drive in February (coinciding with National Children’s Dental Health Month) will raise awareness and collect oral care products for at-risk children and teens.
With participation scheduled for 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. Residents can pick up their free Kid’s Activity Packs, which include:
- America’s ToothFairy Kids Club free membership cards
- ToothFairy 101 educational activities for children
- 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.
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.
“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 and 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.
