"Over the years, we have been a part of life-changing experiences. Our help allows people to get on their feet, and then they can help others," says David Castagnolo, CDT, Castagnolo Dental Laboratory and Castagnolo Products of Cupertino, California, referring to the numerous humanitarian trips that he and his wife, Loretta, have made to South America.
During their most recent trip last October, they joined with Global Legacy Programs (www.global-legacy.org) to donate dental supplies and services to the IRI Rehab Center for Disabled Children in La Paz, Bolivia.
The center includes a dental clinic that provides free care to children and adults from over 20 state-managed facilities, including homes for disabled children and shelters for the elderly and the blind. The Castagnolos donated over 150 lbs. of dental supplies including about 500 toothbrushes, 300 tubes of toothpaste and 1,000 sharps of anesthetic and composite material. They also donated an intraoral camera, set up the equipment and trained the staff. The group delivered similar supplies to a free dental clinic in Sorata, managed by Dr. Elena Botello, who is organizing a campaign to provide dental care and education to city schools. During their 10-day trip, they also traveled around Bolivia and donated supplies and social services at a school for deaf children, shelter for battered women and children, an adult literacy group, a homeless shelter and a local trade school.
To make a donation to Global Legacy Programs, visit http://www.global-legacy.org">www.global-legacy.org.
