This holiday season, Boys and Girls Clubs of West San Gabriel Valley and Eastside partnered with Giving a Smile Foundation – founded by esteemed Beverly Hills dental specialists Dr. Rodney Raanan and Dr. Justin Raanan – to support low-income families in the Ramona Gardens community. The Foundation provided 120 families with turkeys and food baskets to bring relief and joy to c­­­lub families in need.

“Thank you to our partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of West San Gabriel Valley and Eastside to provide smiles this holiday season in the form of holiday meals,” said Dr. Justin Raanan.

Beyond holiday giving, Giving a Smile Foundation is committed year-round to addressing critical needs, including essential oral healthcare. The Foundation provides free dental care to over 75 BGCWSGV Club members annually, addressing critical oral health needs often neglected in underserved communities. These services include general cleanings, wisdom teeth extractions and braces. The Foundation also offers club members free guaranteed annual checkups until they turn 18 to ensure access to long-term quality oral healthcare.

Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows disparities in oral health among low-income children. Approximately 60% of children ages 6 to 9 years from lower-income households have cavities in their baby or permanent teeth, compared to 40% from higher-income households. These disparities impact physical health, academic performance and overall quality of life.

Giving a Smile Foundation’s partnership with BGCWSGV helps close the gap by providing essential dental care and resources to support the health and well-being of underserved children. From distributing holiday food baskets to offering essential dental care throughout the year, the foundation helps equip Boys and Girls Club youth with the resources they need to thrive and succeed.

“The generosity of Giving a Smile Foundation, from their holiday giving to their year-round dental services, is invaluable to the families and youth we serve,” said JR Dzubak, CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of West San Gabriel Valley and Eastside. “Through their contributions, we can give our members the support they need for a healthier, more successful future.”

For information, visit wsgvbgc.org.