The Pre-Dental students at Sacramento State are passionate about contributing to children in need of oral health and school supplies.

Project Backpack was developed to satisfy these needs. Aspiring dentists have come together to form an organization that helps underprivileged kids whose families cannot afford dental health care or proper education materials.

Soniya Patidar, senior biology major and Chief Activities officer, said the organization benefits the children as long as they are in grade school.

Unfortunately, not all children last year got backpacks – this is what challenges the members to achieve higher goals this year.

“Last year hundreds of kids didn’t get a backpack. I saw a lot of kids crying who didn’t receive backpacks, which was really hard. You pass a backpack to one kid and you see another with a look on their face like ‘where’s mine?'” Patidar said.

Participants in the organization feel an overwhelming sense of pride.

“The families are so appreciative, they love it, they are so thankful for anything,” said Jennifer Castro, senior biology major and vice president of Internet Relations. “When you see (the children) smile, it makes you want to work harder, so that everyone can walk away with something.”

The organization received donations from various dental offices, but what really helped reach the goal was the annual wine tasting event held in April. The first wine tasting event in 2007 attracted more than 300 people, according to the Sacramento State Pre-Dental Association’s MySpace website.

All of the school supplies, toothbrushes and dental floss the organization receives are used to fill the backpacks, Patidar said. “Dr. Korn donated a lot of stuff himself. We have toothpaste for all the kids; not only dental supplies but also school supplies as well.”

Project Backpack’s goal is to distribute 700 backpacks to children this year.

“We actually want to make a difference. We are really motivated to get together to help society, but even more than that, we want to help others,” Patidar said.

Participants of the organization want to better the lives of children in need of oral health and improve the community in which they live.

Senior biology major and Chief Financial Officer Roberto Garcia said, “It makes your self-esteem feel great, and feels good to be a helping hand.”

One student in particular has big plans to spread dental health care awareness overseas.

Michelle Bruce, junior biology major and Chief Secretarial officer said: “I feel like it’s an amazing opportunity to be here. My main goal is to work a few years then start a non-profit organization in third-world countries.”

The organization teamed up with other clubs on campus in the past. Bruce said this year The Pre-Dental Organization is working with the Ski and Snowboard Club for one of its upcoming events, Ski for Smiles.

Ski for Smiles is a jog-a-thon type event in which participants will raise money per ski run. The proceeds will fund next year’s Project Backpack.

The organization’s main objective is to bring education and oral health to children in Sacramento with the help of others.

For more information contact Jesse Manton at [email protected].

Amber Wertman can be reached at [email protected].