Kool Smiles Donates Oral Health Supplies to Red Cross Disaster Relief Effort

Kool Smiles Donates Oral Health Supplies to Red Cross Disaster Relief Effort

Tupelo, MS., May 16, 2011

In response to a request from the American Red Cross, Kool Smiles recently donated oral health supplies to help approximately 3,000 victims of the recent flooding and tornadoes in Mississippi and surrounding areas.

"On behalf of the Northeast Mississippi Chapter of the American Red Cross, I am proud to accept these donations that will be used to support the recent tornado victims in our area," said Patty Tucker, American Red Cross Regional Director, "Unfortunately, our area has received the brunt of so much devastation in the past few months. Having the support of community partners like Kool Smiles helps us to carry on and go forward."

State Senator Hob Bryan, State Representatives Kelvin Buck and D. Steve Holland (D 16th District) requested the supplies and American Red Cross Regional Director Patty Tucker was on hand to receive the items on May 11, 2011. The toothbrushes, floss and toothpaste will support relief efforts in the fourteen counties in Mississippi that were declared a federal disaster area.

"Kool Smiles is fabulous. Their commitment to dentistry, as well as to the community, is amazing. We are so proud to have Kool Smiles in our community. This donation just solidifies their desire to go above and beyond," Holland said.

Buck added, "Knowing that organizations like Kool Smiles are supporting our citizens makes me proud that they are corporate citizens of Tupelo."

Numerous areas of Mississippi experienced tornadoes that resulted in loss of life and extensive damage to homes and other property. Coroners and law enforcement reported the death count for the state had risen to 35 as of April 30, while the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency estimated more than 2,500 homes and 100 businesses were damaged. Recently record flooding has also impacted the state with water levels reaching record levels according to the National Weather Service. The rising water has caused the evacuation of thousands of residents who live near the river.

"We are devastated at the loss suffered by so many of the families in our communities in the south," said Dr. Polly Buckey, DDS, MS, a board certified Pediatric Dentist who serves as a spokesperson for Kool Smiles. "While this is only one piece of a larger effort coordinated by the Red Cross, we hope we can provide a small amount of normalcy to the victims of these natural disasters."

Kool Smiles offers assistance to agencies requiring oral health supplies for families in need. To contact us for support, please visit www.mykoolsmiles.com.