By Ashley Valco
One thing I love to do is give back to the community. I do not have as many opportunities as I would like, especially with chasing a toddler around and currently housing another that will be here in April. So, when an opportunity comes along, I take it.
I am excited to tell you that, on December 5th, Dr. Alex and I will be heading to Community Volunteers in Medicine for a Give Kids A Smile Event.
I want to know about both of these amazing organizations. It is important to raise awareness for a need that is so pressing right in our very own area, and how these organizations help that need.
In many areas, even those with mid to high income, there are underserved children going without dental treatment. Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) was launched over 11 years ago for this specific need. GKAS’s mission statement:
“The American Dental Association launched the Give Kids A Smile program nationally in 2003 as a way for dentists across the country to join with others in their community to provide dental services to underserved children. The program initially began as a one-day event in February, but has since grown to local and national events year-round. Dentists and other team members volunteer their time, and services, to provide screenings, treatments and education to children throughout the United States. Each year, approximately 350,000 children benefit from more than 1,500 events, all because of the efforts of 40,000 or more annual volunteers. The ADA's Give Kids A Smile® program enhances the oral health of large numbers of needy children. Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) activities also highlight for policy
makers the ongoing challenges that disadvantaged families face in finding dental care.”
Community Volunteers In Medicine (CVIM) is a wonderful facility that I had the pleasure of volunteering my time during and after hygiene school. They are located in West Chester and provide dental care to low income families. CVIM’s mission statement:
“CVIM is a community-based, volunteer nonprofit organization providing primary medical and dental care to low income, working people in Chester County without insurance, enabling them to continue to be contributing members of the community.
The program is designed to provide services for those individuals whose income is at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty guidelines and are not eligible for Medical Assistance, Medicare, VA benefits or the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
CVIM welcomes clients without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, handicap, or ability to pay for health care services.”
We are looking forward to December 5th to give back to the community and we hope you will cheer us on! Like us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date and see some pictures from the event.
is another great option & comes loaded with apps, videos, books, games & songs plus has a rubber case included in the purchase!
no batteries, no computer, just you against the clock & it's tons of fun! 
but if crystals aren't your kids speed, they have a variety of other educational but very cool, learning toys & games. 
build your own Hexbug robotic ant that you use a remote control to maneuver. There are multiple sets in this line & they can be mixed & matched to create you own bug! I also like 
The good doctor makes the list again! Last year her check up center sold out everywhere & there is some talk that it could happen to the Mobile Cart this year too. 
This is a new toy that reminds me of Pokemon & kind of mix of Beyblades. The arena is a little expensive but you can purchase additional "guys" for around $3 a pack. Each player comes with a collectible trading card & disk. 
and 
for my kids, at less than $10 each they're affordable & fun!
. This game looks like a ton of fun & is on the wish list of a few kids I know. I'll be on the look out for a deal too! 
So far there are two sets you can purchase, Car & Fashion designs. Basically you color in a picture then you can take your drawing to a virtual world to race or walk down the runway, adding more customization along the way. 
are a fun way to decorate your child's hair with color & charms plus they can be reused! These are a great stocking stuffer & come in a variety of themes (Christmas, Hanukkah, St. Patty's Day, etc.)
