Taking care of one’s teeth is such an important thing in our daily lives. We’re taught starting at a very young age to brush, floss and rinse twice a day and sometimes even three times a day. For some individuals, access to things such as toothbrushes and toothpaste is limited.
Alli Lhamon is a 21-year-old college student living in Athens, originally from Flowery Branch since she was three. She realized that this limited access to such a necessity in life and wanted to help people in need. “Operation Shiny Teeth (OST) is a nonprofit that exists to provide children in foster care with the necessary tools to maintain a healthy smile and build confidence.”
According to recent data, approximately 400,000 children, infant to 21 years of age, are currently in foster care. “When I started the company, I learned that children are placed in homes only with the clothes on their back, and that just did not sit right with me.” Lhamon knew she had to step up and help out the children in need. “It’s the basic tools they need to provide some comfort during this transition.”
Lhamon knew from a young age, she wanted to help serve children in need. “In middle school, I started a club with one on my very good friends at the time that collected donations to provide children in foster care with Christmas presents.” This blossomed her desire to help and it grew from there. “I talked to my current mentor, Rebekah Black, who owns a nonprofit called Jambos and she laid it out for me on how I can make my dream a reality.”
Operation Shiny Teeth became an idea only a few months ago and has taken off ever since. “I had the idea the week of Thanksgiving this past year and the very next week, I started receiving donations.” As of last week, they have collected a total of 1,300 toothbrushes! “I have a great circle of support; my people are amazing and none of this would be possible without their support and the support I’ve received from the community!”
“OST is based in Athens where I live. However, for now, we serve and partner in the Hall County/Gwinnett area because that is where I have the most connections to be able to serve more children.” Operation Shiny Teeth is currently taking donations. “We accept brand new, still in the package toothbrushes and toothpastes for all ages, we need baby and adult toothbrushes.” They also accept monetary donations that go towards resources for packaging up the toothbrushes and toothpastes and purchasing these items.
“We are not an official 501(c)(3) yet, but that’s what the next step is for us, we are hoping to become an official nonprofit in the next month!” If you would like to keep up with OST, the Instagram account is @operationshinyteeth. Donations can be dropped off at Diesel Tap House in Buford and Lhamon can also come and pick-up donations from you as well. “If you would like to reach out and help in any way you can email me at [email protected] or text me at 678-943-6353.”
