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Community Corner

Great Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics Covers Cost of Damages Incurred in Boys & Girls Clubs Van Heist

The Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito were left astonished when thieves broke in and stole their 12 person van from the Clubs' parking lot over a weekend earlier this year.  The van was eventually found in Del Mar after numerous news stations aired the story, but there was significant damage to the ignition caused by the heist.

As a non-profit, unexpected expenses at any level can put strain on the organization’s ability to provide its core services. Luckily, with van repairs needed quickly, the doctors of Great Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics stepped up to the plate and covered the costs of fixing the van.

"Taking from a non-profit where the vans are used for kids is disheartening," said David H. Crean, CEO of the Boy & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito. "But we're extremely thankful for supporters like Great Smiles who came to the rescue and paid for the damages so that we can continue to serve the community and the kids who need us most."

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The van, one of a handful the Clubs own, is now fixed and back in service to be used for transporting dozens of kids after school, between branches for summer camp and for field trips throughout the year.

“We see ourselves playing a larger role in the community than just taking care of teeth,” said Dr. Christopher Hydo, an orthodontist at Great Smiles. “We’re thankful to be a part of the North County Coastal community and for the support our neighbors have shown us. The Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito does great work and we’re happy to support them in their mission to help our youth become healthy, successful adults.”

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The 2002 white Ford E-350 Super Duty was left in the rear lot of the club's Harper Branch on Lomas Santa Fe Drive on Friday, April 25th. The following Monday, it was gone, with shattered glass on the pavement where it had been parked.

Even though there were two surveillance cameras monitoring the club's rear parking lot, because of where the van was parked off to the side, the van was not captured on video and the perpetrators were never caught.

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