Needed dental supplies and additional items, according to the Somerville Homeless Coalition.

By Cathleen Twardzik

The holiday season is upon us, and with it, comes copious candy and a smorgasbord of sugary and sticky snacks. All that sugar subjects Somervillians to tooth tartar.

For anyone who could be assisted, the Somerville Homeless Coalition (SHC) is holding a dental drive from October 21 to November 1. However, you are encouraged to continue to drop off dental products after that date because your assistance will still help people.

Oral hygiene is paramount, and you can help the coalition to improve individuals’ dental health by dropping off needed supplies to their food pantry at 165 Broadway in East Somerville.

Alternatively, you can donate items via this link: Amazon.com.

Importantly, please drop off items, such as: toothbrushes, toothpaste (all sizes), mouthwash (travel size), dental floss, toothbrush covers and other items.

“This is the second year that we are hosting the Halloween Tooth Care Drive. Due to the impact and success of the 2023 drive, we have decided to incorporate the Halloween Tooth Care Drive as an annual event, [which is] held at the end of October to early November,” said Paul Murphy, Development and Communications Manager at the Somerville Homeless Coalition. Murphy has been there for almost three years.

What is the most important goal or part of this program? “The goal of this drive is to collect and distribute crucial dental hygiene products to the clients at our food pantry, Project SOUP, who otherwise have difficulty obtaining or purchasing these products. This is due to a lack of funds or having to prioritize purchasing food items for themselves and their families, instead. By having these items available at our pantry, it helps to improve the health and wellbeing of our clients,” said Murphy.

The SHC is quite versatile in the ways they benefit some Somerville residents. “We support our food pantry clients each day by offering monthly visits to our pantry for grocery support, a home delivery service to get food to our housebound clients, and offering case management services to support our pantry clients in areas beyond food insecurity. Outside of Project SOUP, we support those [individuals] experiencing homelessness or facing eviction – through our Outreach, Engagement Center, Adult Shelter, Housing Assistance, Homelessness Prevention and Supportive Housing programs,” he said. 

 Each year “4,545” people utilize their food pantry during the year.

Importantly, “Once the drive is over, we will continue to be in need of essential hygiene products such as diapers, shampoos, body wash, shaving razors/cream and feminine hygiene products. Having [those] items is essential to the well-being and health of our clients, especially as we head into the colder winter months, said Murphy.

What may be added to the toothcare drive next year? “We hope to expand the drive by building a more comprehensive list that has more than just the basic essentials (i.e.: toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, [and] mouthwash). [That] includes toothbrush covers/cases, whitening strips, plaque removal tools and mouth guards for sleeping,” he said.

From containers chock full of candy on Halloween to the Thanksgiving cranberry sauce, dental hygiene remains even more of a key concern during the holiday season.

So, please donate all the dental products that you can before and after the drive officially ends to the Somerville Homeless Coalition’s food pantry, which is located at 165 Broadway in East Somerville on the following days and times: Tuesdays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Thursdays from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m.to 12:00 p.m.

It is essential to note that they are closed on Sundays and Mondays.