(January 19, 2017, Charlotte, NC)— Charlotte-based charity America’s ToothFairy: National Children’s Oral Health Foundation will host “Smile Drive Charlotte” throughout February, National Children’s Dental Health Month. America’s ToothFairy supports the delivery of oral health education, preventive and treatment services for underserved children. The purpose of this campaign is to raise awareness of the importance of children’s dental health and collect 50,000 toothbrushes for local youth in need. With nearly 50,000 children living in poverty in Mecklenburg County, America’s ToothFairy is seeking the Charlotte community’s participation to ensure all children can access a basic tool for prevention of tooth decay – a new toothbrush.

Funds to seed the campaign with 30,000 toothbrushes were received through generous support from Charlotte area companies and individuals participating in #GivingTuesdayCLT in partnership with SHARE Charlotte. America’s ToothFairy is requesting the community to help raise an additional 20,000 toothbrushes for children in Mecklenburg County through participation in the “Smile Drive Thru” and other local events throughout February.

The “Smile Drive Thru” will be held February 1 from 6-10am in the parking lot of SouthPark Mall near Symphony Park. During this time, the community is asked to “drive thru” and drop off donations of toothbrushes and toothpaste. Representatives from America’s ToothFairy and its partner organizations will be collecting donations, and Wilson from WCCB-TV will be broadcasting live from the event.

Community members are also invited to the Smile Drive Charlotte kickoff event at Three Spirits Brewery on February 2 from 6-8pm. One dollar from each pint sold will be donated to provide toothbrushes for children. Additional events will be held throughout February to reach the goal for toothbrush distribution. Visit www.AmericasToothFairy.org/SmileDriveCLT for all event locations.

All products collected will be distributed to Title I Schools, non-profit organizations and agencies in Mecklenburg County addressing the needs of underserved children. Sponsors of the campaign include The Dale Jr. Foundation and SmileMakers.

“Largely preventable, tooth decay is one of the most prevalent chronic childhood diseases affecting children in our Charlotte community and can lead to other serious health consequences,” said Jill Malmgren, Executive Director of America’s ToothFairy. “Community support for Smile Drive Charlotte will make it possible for children in our community to access the tools they need to develop lifelong positive oral health habits.”

"We could not be more pleased to see America’s ToothFairy use funds raised from #GivingTuesdayCLT to provide much-needed toothbrushes and dental supplies to children who need them," said SHARE Charlotte Executive Director Kelly Brooks. "It’s great to see funds raised during the campaign invested right back into the community."

Companies or individuals wishing to donate or participate as a product collection site may contact Shannon Weatherly, National Program Director, at 704-817-5651 or sweatherly@ncohf.org.

About SHARE Charlotte
SHARE Charlotte makes it fun and easy to invest in our local community by offering simple ways for neighbors, over 400 nonprofits and local businesses, to come together through good. Through its signature campaigns #GivingTuesdayCLT and SummerSHARE, SHARE Charlotte raises awareness about local nonprofits and increases the level of community engagement. SHARE Charlotte believes that by doing good, we will create a stronger, happier Charlotte.

Media Contact: Corri Smith, media@sharecharlotte.org
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America’s ToothFairy: National Children’s Oral Health Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness of one of the most prevalent chronic childhood illnesses: pediatric dental disease, facilitating the delivery of comprehensive oral health services and improving quality of life for underserved children. Through a national youth movement, collaborative partnerships with a diverse array of national service organizations, growing network of non-profit clinical partners, and a suite of high-impact community education and service programs, America’s ToothFairy is building a powerful, united effort to eliminate tooth decay and protect the smiles of underserved children. For more information, visit www.AmericasToothFairy.org.