Smiles Change Lives Candy Exchange
During the 4th Annual Candy Exchange events, families can expect to have a lot of fun sharing some of their sweets for a good cause
Kansas City, MO (Vocus) October 27, 2010
So much candy, so few cavities and broken brackets this Halloween thanks to Smiles Change Lives’ nationwide Candy Exchange events beginning November 1st. Hosted by orthodontists in 24 cities and towns, these events are free and open to the public and give kids an opportunity to exchange some of their candy for healthy, “teeth-friendly” treats and prizes.
Smiles Change Lives (SCL) is a nonprofit organization that provides affordable orthodontic treatment to children in need in all 50 states. The organization works with caring orthodontists who donate their time to help change the lives and smiles of children, ages 11-18, who need braces. Halloween is a tricky time for kids who wear braces because a lot of hard, sticky and chewy candy can mean broken brackets and wires. There is an alternative: donating some of that candy at a candy exchange!
“During the 4th Annual Candy Exchange events, families can expect to have a lot of fun sharing some of their sweets for a good cause,” shares Andrea Umbreit, Director of Marketing and Communications for Smiles Change Lives. “Our partner orthodontists give so much to our program and their SCL patients. We’re thrilled that they are hosting these family-friendly events which provide a healthy alternative to consuming all of the sweets collected during Halloween,” she adds.
For a list of locations nationwide, visit the Candy Exchange website. SCL hopes to collect a total of 10,000 pounds of candy during these events November 1st through 6th..
All candy will be donated to troops overseas, food pantries or other charities. Many of the practices will make a donation to SCL equivalent to the weight of candy collected. All donations will help SCL reach more children in need of orthodontic treatment.
“We’re excited to participate in this event because it will be a good learning experience for all the kids. We also want to get the word out about SCL, so we can start helping more kids,” states Dr. Chuck Bohl, SCL provider from Brookfield, WI and event sponsor.
Dr. Bohl is one of 350 orthodontists nationwide who is eager to help more kids achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. With 250 program slots available for qualified children, SCL is actively recruiting applicants to this nationwide program. For financial guidelines visit http://www.smileschangelives.org/qualify. For application information visit http://www.smileschangelives.org/apply or call 888-900-3554.
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