I Can Smile
When the Minnesota Mission of Mercy free dental care clinic came to Mankato, Minnesota last summer, it transformed the Verizon Wireless Center into a giant dental office with the help of 1,367 volunteers who served as greeters, translators, registration assistants, and patient escorts so that dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants and dental therapists could provide free dental care to 2,062 children and adults who were uninsured, underinsured or otherwise not able to obtain dental treatment.
Sixty-five of the volunteers were sisters, associates and staff connected with Our Lady of Good Counsel campus. “I had an extraordinary experience volunteering with the sisters at the Mission of Mercy,” said staff member, Marty Beil. “For two days, I shuttled sister volunteers to and from the clinic. I saw their genuine anticipation going to the event and enjoyed the stories they told. It was a great way to continue sharing the values of the School Sisters.”
“I am so grateful for this,” said a Mission of Mercy patient. “I can smile!”
Where do you volunteer? How does it make you smile?
Left: Volunteer Briefing
Center: Sister Volunteers L-R: Sisters Mary Dominic Klaseus, Joanna Illg, Mary Emmanuel Fallenstein,
Daniel Marie Kukowski, Kathy Izer, Anita Kolles, Irene Komor, Doris Welter
Right: Volunteer Tree
Photo Credits: Mission of Mercy photographer for the Minnesota Dental Association
Karla Mayer, staff