Funding the Need

The Children's Smile Center is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Initial funding for the development of the clinic was partially through a three-year grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH). The Missouri Foundation for Health is a philanthropic organization whose vision is to improve the health of the people within the communities it serves. Those funds, totaling $406,751, assisted in equipping and staffing the facility during its early start-up. With the MFH assistance, the organization was able to secure state-of-the art equipment and staff.

Additional assistance was provided through local donations of both time and money. Through the efforts of many, the Children's Smile Center has been operational since December 2006, and now, serves the dental healthcare needs of more than 600 Christian and Stone County children every month. However, the MFH grant has ended, and the Center no longer receives assistance in covering the costs associated with maintaining or expanding its facilities. A sustained effort is desperately needed to continue to raise funds for rent, utilities, supplies, and the many other expenses associated with day-to-day operations.

Individuals or organizations interested in donating to the Children's Smile Center may do so through a variety of ways:

1. Monetary donations: The Children's Smile Center must raise over 50% of its annual budget from sources like donations, fundraising events, grants, and memorials. The Children's Smile Center is a private non-profit organization, and monetary donations are tax deductible! You can donate to our General Fund or to specific funds of interest. You can convey your wishes to the Center Director regarding donations to a specific area of your choosing. Want to set up a fund in your name, or for someone who has passed away? We will be happy to assist.

2. "Third party" events: The Center receives donations from events like birthday parties, neighborhood get-togethers, car washes, and many other events where generous people decide to donate the profits from their activity. Interested in details or ideas? Contact the CSC today!

3. Screening Sponsorships: Each Fall and Spring, the staff members from the Children's Smile Center travel to our area school districts to provide much-needed dental screenings to the student populations. Assistance is needed in purchasing toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other supplies that the Center packages and provides to each child. Sponsorship of these packets is a great way to get your name, or company name, to thousands of Christian and Stone County residents!

4. Memorials: Often, when a special person, passes away, friends and family give memorials to the Center. These memorials can go into the General Fund, or into a special fund of your choosing. There are options for having your loved one's name and even photo displayed at the Center as part of your memorial.

5. Honorariums: Let the CSC be your source for the perfect birthday, Christmas, or any other "in honor of" gift! Make a donation to the Center, and give us the all the details. We will send out a lovely card letting the person(s) know you thought of him/her in this meaningful way!

6. Bequests: Place the Children's Smile Center into your estate. There are various tax advantages to this program. Curious? Contact your tax professional or attorney. You may also speak to the CSC Director at (417) 582-5439 for further details.

Other Ways the Help

The Donation of Time

The Children's Smile Center can utilize volunteers in a variety of positions. The facility is always grateful to area dental professionals, such as Dental Assistants and Hygienists who are willing to volunteer their services. Volunteering for other operatory work, such as processing instruments and cleaning operatories, is always needed. Other areas for volunteer assistance include office assistance for tasks such as: typing, filing, basic computer operations, answering phones, and confirming appointments. Additional help is needed with fundraising, oral hygiene education, as well as newsletter and monthly bulletin board development.

The Donation of Items

Items for office/general Center activities

Depending upon the situation or time of year, the CSC maintains a list of needed items for the office and for general operations. These range from the obvious (office supplies) to larger "big ticket" items like a network server or x-ray equipment.

• Copier paper: We can always use plain white paper, and colored paper, too.
• Misc.office supplies: We use a variety of folders, lots of stamps, and envelopes.
• Washing/drying supplies: We launder many towels, and scrubs throughout the week. Laundry soap, softener, and bleach are always welcome.
• Treasure box goodies: Each child who visits the Center receives a toy from the treasure box. We are always asking for small, new toys to provide to brave little boys and girls after every appointment.
• Current Wish List: Please contact the Office Manager for a list of our most current needs. (417) 582-5439

The dream of helping underserved children in need of dental care is now, a reality.
The Children's Smile Center is making a difference one smile at a time! You can help us put more smiles on children's faces through your donations. Help us, help them.

	Located at 601 N. 21st Street, Ozark, MO 65721 Mailing addressed to P.O. Box 1833, Ozark, MO 65721
©2009 Children's Smile Center