Ewing Twp. EA supports children’s dental health

On Feb. 20, Jesse Ambriz, a seventh-grade math teacher at Ewing’s Fisher Middle School unloaded piles of books at the Laundry Depot of Ewing on North Olden Ave.

Ambriz has organized a variety of community activities over the years, many of them held at the Laundry Depot, a hub of the community.

Joined by representatives from Ewing Twp.’s police department; fire department; Liberty Dental Plan; Wellpoint, a health insurance company that offers plans in New Jersey, including Medicare, Medicaid, and individual and family plans; and the Laundry Depot’s parent company, Suds Management, Ambriz gave out a variety of materials related to dental health for every age.

Middle school drummer Tyonne Fisher provided the musical entertainment as families circulated among the tables, talking to representatives and picking up information and giveaways.

Thanks to a PEP grant from NJEA, the Ewing Twp. Education Association (ETEA) provided bright yellow bags filled with dental health supplies, including a toothbrush holder, mini toothpaste, mouthwash, and a container to collect lost teeth. The association also provided a water bottle.

In addition, Ambriz distributed books for children and parents, some in English and Spanish, and had raffle prizes from the Trenton Thunder, Sesame Place, McCarter Theater, and a dental health-themed bag with an electric toothbrush and full-sized products. Parents could also pick up sparkly certificates from the Tooth Fairy for when their child lost a tooth.

“We’re so happy to be able to provide resources and materials to help children and parents maintain their dental health,” Ambriz said. “We’ve built a large coalition of groups in the area who are always willing to step up and participate in these community outreach activities. The health and safety of our community’s children and families are a priority for all of us.”

Ambriz has worked with Suds Management to provide year-round activities and resources for the patrons of the Laundry Depot. There are hundreds of age-appropriate books for families to use while they take care of their laundry chores.

“Helping children develop a love of reading is one of the most important things that we can do to ensure their success in school and in life,” Ambriz says. “Several years ago, we created this educational space at the Laundry Depot for children and families and to provide them with an opportunity to start or expand their own libraries at home. We’ve been very pleased with the response from families and the community.”