Jewish Family Service was awarded a grant from the Allentown Rotary Club to launch a new initiative to promote disease prevention called “Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body.” Funds from the grant will go towards providing one new toothbrush to each member of all JFS Community Food Pantry client families every three months for a year. Dental products will be generously provided by the Benco Family Foundation, whose mission is dedicated to improving the dental health and quality of life in our local communities and around the world. Volunteers will create goody bags to be distributed to families. They will include a new toothbrush along with toothpaste and a reminder to visit the dentist to promote dental and overall health.

The Rotary Club was pleased to partner with JFS for this project that fits in with their mission of helping the community.

“Like all Rotary Clubs around the world, the Allentown Rotary Club is primarily engaged in giving back to the community in whatever way, shape or form that seems to be necessary. As far as our Allentown Rotary Club, in part we set aside some funds each year for local community grants. We try to honor the ones we feel are most impactful in the community at the time,” said John Hannis, grants committee chair for the Rotary Club.

JFS is excited about this opportunity to expand the resources available for food pantry clients.

“We are so grateful to the Rotary Club for making this project possible. It will make a difference to families for whom basic toiletries are sometimes a luxury,” said Sharon Gayner, JFS food pantry coordinator.

To contribute to the JFS Community Food pantry, visit our Amazon wishlist or make a gift directly through our donate page.