Operation Smile Comes To EGHS

Operation Smile Comes to EGHS

"Operation Smile is an international children's medical charity that heals children's smiles, forever changing their lives." - operationsmile.org

A group of East Greenwich High School seniors, headed by Michelle Xiong, have come together to make an important addition to the school’s community in the form a new club. This club is called Operation Smile, and is a chapter of an international nonprofit. The club is primarily responsible for raising funds to grant children their smiles back. The money raised will be donated to Operation SMILE, an international children's medical charity established to pay for these medical procedures worldwide using a group of trained medical professionals and volunteers.

Facial deformities, such as cleft lip, are often responsible for physical afflictions such as ear infections, malnutrition, dental problems, and speech impediment. Additionally, the psychological and emotional consequences of a facial deformity can be devastating. Self-esteem suffers and education may be hindered due to related social anxiety. 

Facilitating the treatment of children with facial deformities is an extremely rewarding goal, as treatment can and will relieve the aforementioned conditions. Funding such treatment is extremely reachable, as well. The EGHS chapter of Operation Smile has a goal of raising $1,200 in the 2013-2014 school year. Each surgery costs $240, so realization of this goal will allow five children to receive the surgeries they need. The surgery is often as short as 45 minutes. Despite its relative affordability and swiftness, surgery is often unattainable for many children worldwide due to varying economic situations and discrepancies in the availability and quality of medical care.

The Club’s website states the following: 

Even if our goal is not met, an important objective of this club is to educate people about Operation SMILE and about the necessity of helping these untreated children in any way possible. More importantly, it is about expanding the school's community service outreach, giving EGHS students who have already demonstrated their commitment to service another outlet in which to help those who are less fortunate worldwide.

Meetings are held every other Thursday in the club advisor, Mrs. Schnacky’s, classroom, room 242. All students at EGHS are highly encouraged to join, or just stop by a meeting and see what Operation Smile is all about! Additionally, anyone with further questions should feel free to contact Michelle Xiong, Courtney Kalk, Tanushree Girish, and/or Jane Chung.

Operation Smile is always accepting donations of any type or size. Anyone interested in making a donation should contact the board at eghsoperationsmile@gmail.com.

http://www.operationsmileeghs.blogspot.com/

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www.operationsmile.org