How Can Dentists Help after a Natural Disaster Hits?
It seems like every time you turn on the news there is a story about a natural disaster — an earthquake, flooding, tornadoes, wildfires — there’s always something, and these disasters can be devastating to lives, homes, and communities. It is important for all of us to do what we can during these difficult times. Dr. Allen Gotora and the staff at Stellar Dental want to help, too!
There are many different ways we can all help, even if you are miles away from an area affected by a natural disaster.
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Donate money
This is an easy way to help. It is easy to write out a check or use your credit card to donate money, and every little bit helps. Dental offices can help by putting out a donation jar, with proceeds to go toward a specific charity.However, you want to make sure to be careful when donating money. Scammers come out in full force after a natural disaster to take advantage of good Samaritans looking to help. It may be best to stick to well-known organizations such as the Salvation Army, the Red Cross or United Way.
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Raise some money to donate
Even if you don’t have a lot of money, you can still help. Use those incredible baking skills and have a bake sale, clean out the garage and have a yard sale, or do some yardwork for the neighbors, and donate all of the money you’ve earned to the Red Cross.This idea can also work for a dental office — how about a yard sale in the parking lot coordinated by the office staff, with proceeds to go to charity?
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Donate blood
If the natural disaster has resulted in a lot of injuries in a city, those victims may need blood. If the disaster is especially devastating, they may even need blood from donors in other cities. Check with the Red Cross to see if your blood donation is needed.Dental offices can help here as well by inviting the Red Cross to hold a blood drive in the office.
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Look for a place to drop off donations
When homes have been destroyed, victims of a natural disaster lose everything. Many organizations will take up donations of household items, blankets, clothes, and items for children such as toys. It’s a great way to get rid of those extra items you don’t need, and you know they are going to a good cause. -
Don’t forget about the pets!
When a natural disaster hits, animal shelters often fill up with panicked animals who have wandered away from home. If you are able to (and if the shelters request volunteers), consider being a foster parent for pets until their owners can come to get them. Shelters can also often use supplies such as food, toys, and blankets, as these items run short quickly when the shelters are full.
Finding ways to help not only provides basic needs to those who have gone through a natural disaster. Helping also lets victims know that they are not alone and that others care, which can mean more than you know!
Dr. Gotora and the staff at Stellar Dental love to be a part of the Silver Spring community, and they love to help out when needed.
They also love helping patients to have healthy teeth and healthy smiles! Call Stellar Dental at (301) 754-1900 today to make an appointment!
Stellar Dental is a leading dental service provider based in Maryland with offices at White Oak and Hyattsville. We strive to provide the best dental care solutions and a state-of-the-art facility to our patients. Our major services include – dental implants, Invisalign, braces, 6 Month Smiles and other general dentistry procedures. We have a team of warm, friendly and compassionate dental professionals.
