10 for 10 Food Drive

During the month of December we will be hosting a canned food drive to help support our community. Food donations will be given to the Riverbend Foodbank. Through the end of the month we will be accepting donations at our office, and in return for each item we will reduce the cost of any treatment completed during December, or an account balance. Don’t have a balance*? You can still participate! While supplies last we will be giving away a Arctic Dental lunch bag for those without a balance. Everyone who donates will be entered into a progressive raffle for a gift card each week; so the earlier you donate the more chances to win. The gift cards will be to small businesses within our community.

The Story

It all started with a early morning walk in early November 2019. It was one of the last vacations I took with my family prior to the coronavirus pandemic. We were on the west coast in San Diego, CA at Sprig Live where I was lecturing and attending continuing education courses. My kids naturally woke me up; due to the time zone transition. We were lucky enough to be near the ocean cliffs, a place where paragliders normally fly, and Sprig had planned a morning walk with a group of attendees to incorporate health and wellness.

On that walk I met many people, and started to build relationships with strangers. I met Dr. Tina Merhoff and her husband Vance, and we quickly realized our Iowa connection through my conversations with them as they own part of a business in Ames, IA. I instantly followed Dr. Merhoff’s Instagram page as I wanted to stay in touch with her office. Little did I know the impact this would make.

After the walk the group attended breakfast, and then a series of exhilarating continuing education courses. One was given by Laura Maly of Wonderist Agency on community involvement and marketing. She spoke of having an office “Give.” Or a way that a dental office should give back to a community. It was echoed Dr. Andi Igowski who incorporated her community give of a one dollar donation for each cavity free kid.

At Arctic Dental we have always felt a strong community connection. Two years ago we participated in Over The Edge and raised over $1,000 for our community; this past year we supported the Salvation Army by donating a dollar for each cavity free visit during the Red Kettle Campaign. We also sponsored free dental care for two children through a gift from the Krieger Family, owners of Krieger Auto Group, and made a donation to St. Mary’s and Mathias Catholic School.

A few months ago Dr. Tina posted her second annual 10 for 10 give. They were hosting a canned food drive for discounted dental treatment at their office. A win for kids and their families in facilitating dental care, and for the needs of the community. We have been inspired and hope to do the same for Muscatine.

While this year has been challenging for many; I was impressed by the work of some young kids making the most of tough times. They grew flowers, fall décor, and popcorn, to support our community to raise money to donate to the River Bend Foodbank. The Cutler Family approached me one day asking for a donation for the Foodbank and in turn they would provide some homegrown popcorn (which many of you know is one my favorite snacks). The family’s kindness coupled with Dr. Merhoff’s example has led us to create this event where we can give back to our patients and our community. It all started with a walk on the beach, and some children that inspired me. I hope you can participate in our food drive if you are able, and we wish the best to your family during this holiday season.

-Dr. Jarod

10 for 10 Details

Every Contribution Matters!

Here’s a list of the most needed food items that you can donate:

Canned meats

Canned stews and chili

Peanut butter

Canned soups

Tuna

Cereal

Canned vegetables and fruits

You can also donate personal care items such as shampoo, soap, toothbrush, etc.

*10 for 10 Details

• Receive 1% off upcoming Treatment completed in December, or a Bill for each item donated, Maximum of 10% off.
• For balances under $100 receive $1 off for each item donated.
• Don’t have a balance? Receive an Arctic Dental Lunch box when 10 items are donated (while supplies last).
• Donate 10 items, be entered in a progressive weekly raffle for gift cards!

The River Bend Foodbank is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization leading the community wide effort to end hunger in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.