by Heather MacDonald Volunteer and Community Engagement Director
On Saturday, June 21, as part of the Spreading Smiles event, 110 volunteers of all ages came out to help pack 1,100 dental hygiene kits for students at Granger Elementary Community School. Spreading Smiles was part of United Way Worldwide’s Day of Action, and United Way of Salt Lake’s Summer of Service program. Both programs encourage people to get out and volunteer to support our community.
Granger Elementary received services for its students from Salt Lake Donated Dental Services (SLDDS). SLDDS let the administration know that the students at Granger were in serious need of dental hygiene items in order to keep the students healthy and prevent future dental issues. Being one of the largest elementary schools in the Granite School District, it would have been impossible for the school to cover the cost to provide toothpaste and toothbrushes for every student in need.
Through support from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Foundation, KSL, and a significant in-kind donation from Ultradent Products, Inc., the toothbrushes and toothpaste were packed into kits that included a card with simple tooth brushing tips to remind students about how to take care of their teeth.
Even though Spreading Smiles is complete, Summer of Service is not over yet! Parents, grandparents, and youth ages 5-18 can learn more about the Summer of Service program at uw.org/summer. Parents and grandparents can help younger kids register online, find a youth/family friendly volunteer opportunity, and download a Service Journal here http://uw.org/volunteer-center/volunteer-events/summer-of-service/summer-of-service-journal.pdf The first 250 participants to submit their completed journal to volunteercenter@uw.org will receive an invite to a free party at Boondocks! For more information check out uw.org/summer
For more information contact Amy Worthington, Volunteer Events & Training Coordinator, at amy@uw.org.
