Give A Kid A Chance
On Saturday, July 31, 2010 numerous volunteers in the dental community served the residents of Bartow County. As “Give A Kid A Chance” returned to Bartow County for its 3rd annual event. This year, county residents flocked to four different locations. These included Adairsville, Emerson, Euharlee, and the Bartow County Civic Center. In order to give the children in Bartow County an advantageous step forward for the new 2010-2011 school year. All applicants who pre-registered were given a dental, hearing, and vision screening. Free haircuts, backpacks, school supplies, jeans and t-shirts, and a sack lunch were included with their registration. This was all made possible in conjunction with the Bartow Collaborative, Civic Groups, and Church’s of all denominations, Community Businesses, and over 200 volunteers.
Each site was staffed by at least 1 Dentist, 1-4 Registered Dental Hygienists from the Cherokee Dental Hygiene Society, and office employees from Children’s Dental Center, PC. All who volunteered their time from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday! The event has grown from 100 children in 2008 to 1000 at present. In 2009 the program was funded 100% by, Nancy DeMott’s (RDH and Treasurer of the Cherokee Dental Hygiene Society) church, “the bridge” A new United Methodist Church in Cartersville. At Nancy’s request, the dental community responded in a phenomenal way this year. Dentist and Registered Dental Hygienists from Bartow County and surrounding counties devoted their expertise, knowledge, and time. Representatives from Children’s Dental Center, PC, Colgate, Crest/Oral-B, and Patterson Dental made it a priority for each child to leave with a new toothbrush, toothpaste, cup or mug, and a dental appointment if desired.
“Give A Kid A Chance” was launched in Bartow County in 2008. It is a spin off of the “Give A Kid A Chance” program started in Cobb County by Grant Cole, associate pastor of Milford Church of God more than a decade ago. Three years ago, Miles Terrell, son of Kim and Terry Terrell introduced the event to Bartow County as an Eagle Scout project. The Terrell’s are very adamant about giving God the glory for allowing them to be a part of such a wonderful event in their community. If it weren’t for the combined efforts of all affiliations and volunteers involved, it would not be possible. “Give A Kid A Chance” has been introduced to numerous communities across the states and continues to grow strong with your support!
Special thanks to all of those involved… Doctor’s Thomas
Dix, Paul Dominique, Al Hutchins, Mike McGee, Tony Nunez, and Freddie Padilla.
Registered Dental Hygienists’ Margaret Anderson, Kelly Armitage,
Janeime Asbury, Kristen Baumann, Michelle Boyce,
Angel Cargel, Julie Dawson, Nancy DeMott,
Jane Elliot, Rhonda Hendrix, Ann Keasler, Sherry Oster, Kim Peacher, Jennifer Rivard, and Sandra Shride. Steve Fortman (Crest/Oral-B), Jeff Hayes
(Patterson Dental), and Children’s Dental Center, PC.
Written By: Shannon Cofield, RDH and active member of CDHS and ADHA