A BIG thank you to the Worthington Kilbourne High School students and staff as well as Ohio Department of Agriculture staff and interns who signed over 200 thank you cards provided by Grandma's Gifts for veterans at the Chillicothe, Ohio VA Hospital!

Today, Grandam's Gifts Founder Emily Douglas was the keynote speaker at the Worthington Kilbourne High School Socratic Society Induction. After a wonderful opening speech by Assistant Principal, Kevin Johnson, and piano performance, medals were then presented to new Socratic inductees. Emily then spoke for 25 minutes on the topic of leadership, volunteerism, self-esteem, and the importance of 'being different' to about 150 students and their parents.

After receiving a special request today we donated 95 books bags to an Appalachian Ohio high school to be given to homeless high school students and those in serious need. (Yes, we said homeless.) While we receive these requests frequently, we are always humbled and reminded of the serious need in Appalachia as well as the hardship that some youth face daily.

We also donated a few boxes of hygiene supplies (individual, hotel soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mouthwash) to go along with the bags. We know that they will be used by those who need them.

Thank you to the donors that made this possible and for helping the youth of our country.

Trick-or-Teeth! has expanded dramatically and is one of our largest yearly projects. Originally we collect goods throughout September and October, now we collect goods year round! While the project only started in 2007, from 2007 to June 2014, more than $242,000 in dental hygiene items had been provided to Appalachian City/County health departments; schools; food pantries; free dental clinics; battered women's shelters; nonprofits that serve the community; and Sheriffs/Officers who are in touch with their community that currently work to distribute goods to people in need!

This year we have already received more than $45,000 in dental hygiene supplies (about 30,000 pieces) from local middle schoolers! (HOW AWESOME!) We then donated the supplies to 19 school districts in Appalachian Ohio, ensuring every first grader had a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss to take home for the summer break. With careful planning and scheduling our shipping and transportation costs were minimal!

Thank you donors! Thank you volunteers! Without you our work would not be possible!