This article was written by BenitoLink intern Kaitlyn Martinez. Lea este artículo en español aquí.
The idea of donating toothbrushes to needy folks around the world began when Larry Barr was on a trip to Mindanao, an island in the Philippines where Hollister Rotary Club was working to build and renovate schools in the area.
Barr told BenitoLink that he began handing out candy to local children to encourage them to go to school, but was made aware by other Rotary members that those kids may not have access to oral hygiene supplies. This sparked the idea to provide these kids with toothbrushes collected by members of Rotary Club and other members of the community.
Barr said the project has continued for several years and has gained world recognition. He was honored with Rotary International’s Service Above Self Award for this project as well as several other services he has done over time.
Through the years, toothbrushes and other items have been donated to people in Thailand, the Philippines, Mexico, Panama, Guatemala, Serbia, and Romania.
The most recent trip was in May to the metro Manila area, where Barr delivered around 1,000 toothbrushes. Rotary Club collected 250 toothbrushes, and 750 toothbrushes were donated by local dentist Dr. Mini Krishnakumar. They were handed out at an orphanage called Alay Pagasa.
Dr. Krishnakumar said she has had th eopportunity of providing oral hygeine supplies to needy people for many years.
“I started my dental career back in India, where my school was located in a rural area,” she said. “I volunteered to get basic hygiene and emergency dental services for tribal people. After getting to know how some populations are unaware of the importance of dental health, sometimes lack of facilities and proper oral health education affect their oral health standards. I wanted to give back to them once I am in a state to help them.”
Dr. Krishnakumar said that being able to donate toothbrushes was meaningful to her as it represents a commitment to improving public health for everyone.
“This is a step towards preventing dental disease and promoting healthier lives,” she told BenitoLink.
After donating 750 toothbrushes, Dr. Krishnakumar was honored and given an award by the Hollister Rotary Club for her generous donation.
Along with donating toothbrushes to other countries, Barr and other Rotarians are working on a project that will give wheelchairs to people in need of them in Mexico City.
Barr told BenitoLink that members of the community are welcome to donate money or toothbrushes to the Rotary Club of Hollister to help support the projects that give to people who are in need of these supplies.
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