Teen's effort puts healthy smile on youngsters' faces BY KATHY BARATTA Staff Writer Melanie Lauro MANALAPAN - While learning the value of a smile, Melanie Lauro came to believe that smiles should be shared. She also realized that she wanted to do what she could to make sure there were healthy smiles to go around. So, to that end, Melanie, a Manalapan High School sophomore, started a charitable organization called "A Brush With Greatness" one year ago so that other people could have the opportunity to have a healthy smile. Melanie's mom, Stacie, is a dental hygienist and Melanie said it was because she was so fortunate to have a mother who stressed the importance of good oral hygiene that hers is as healthy a smile as it is happy. "I have always had the highest level of care when it comes to my teeth," Melanie said, explaining that her mother taught her that poor oral health can lead to poor health overall. Melanie said it was her concern for children who do not have the basic necessities to keep their mouths healthy that led to the idea of a "toothbrush drive." "I decided that I wanted to help children to be the healthiest they can be," the teenager said, explaining that she got the idea about collecting toothbrushes for a girls orphanage after hearing about the General Israel Orphans Home for Girls in Jerusalem, Israel. Melanie said a Hebrew school teacher told her students that the children at the orphanage rely on donations from people for many personal items. Melanie said that once she heard about the orphanage she knew what she wanted to do. She said she got started by sending letters to dentists in the area, telling them about the orphanage and about her idea to help the children. Melanie said she initially sent the letters out in February 2007 because February is Children's Dental Health Month. She did the same thing this year and said she will continue to do so in the years to come. Melanie said she received an enthusiastic response from several dentists who donated toothbrushes. Some dentists also donated dental floss and toothpaste. Stacie Lauro is an enthusiastic supporter of her daughter's commitment to the drive. She drove Melanie to the dentists' offices to pick up the items. Melanie said she heard from Marion Sloman, the director of the orphanage in Jerusalem. She said Sloman told her, "Your gift will emphasize the need for (the children) to take good care of their teeth each day and make them very happy to know there are people who, although far away, are thinking of them." There is a special thrill that comes from knowing you have made a positive impact on someone's life and Melanie has been lucky enough to experience that feeling. "I felt so good when I received her email. My mother and I plan on doing this for as long as possible," the teen said. "I think that if all teenagers find something they feel strongly about, they can give back to people in many different positive ways. It is very rewarding to have made a difference in the girls' lives at the orphanage." Speaking about her plans to continue the effort, Melanie said, "I would like to help in any way possible so that each girl in the orphanage has the tools to care for their teeth as I do for mine."