SAMMinistries welcomes fall with gift of pumpkins from Cochran Orthodontics

SAN ANTONIO - Oct. 7, 2016 - PRLog -- Just like Charlie Brown looks forward to the Great Pumpkin, SAMMinistries awaits a very special and artistic gift of pumpkins from Cochran Orthodontics that is sure to bring a smile to the faces of homeless children and their families at SAMMinistries' Transitional Living and Learning Center.

Cochran Orthodontics will host the 14^th annual Pumpkin Ball on Oct. 13 at their office.  This tradition began as a way to thank dentists making referrals to Cochran and highlight October as National Orthodontic Month. As the event grew, Dr. Cochran looked for a way to share the pumpkins. "We started donating them to facilities where children who might not otherwise experience a traditional Halloween could enjoy them," Dr. Cochran said. "This year, we are excited to share them with SAMMinistries' Transitional Living and Learning Center, an organization my wife and I have a great deal of respect for."

Dentists across San Antonio participate in the annual pumpkin decorating contest, creating elaborate designs of animals, superheroes, Disney characters, and other imaginative creatures. During the ball, awards are given to the favorites, with a Top Golf grand prize. After the event, the pumpkins will reside at the Transitional Living and Learning Center.

And for an extra smile—Cochran Orthodontics will donate a full orthodontic treatment for one child in residence at the facility. Early treatment can prevent much greater complications as children grow.

SAMMinistries Transitional Living and Learning Center houses up to 40 homeless families a night—and approximately 65 percent of the residents are children. They recently celebrated the grand opening of the Harvey E. Najim Library and Children's Enrichment Center, two spaces that focus on the educational development of children. In its 16th year, nearly 600 families have exited the program to self-sufficiency.

What:          Cochran Orthodontics Pumpkin Ball

Where:          Cochran Orthodontics

         14855 Blanco Rd., Suite 109

When:          Oct. 13, 2016

Time:          noon, presentation of pumpkins and orthodontic service to Navarra at 12:45

About SAMMinistries: Overcoming Homelessness

San Antonio Metropolitan Ministries, founded in 1983, is an interfaith ministry whose mission is to help the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless attain self-sufficiency by offering with dignity and compassion, shelter, housing, and services. SAMMinistries also provides volunteers opportunities to be renewed and fulfilled as they serve. For 33 years, SAMMinistries has been a leader in addressing the needs of San Antonio's homeless population. The organization continues to work towards its goal of overcoming homelessness, an SA2020 goal, which is crucial for a healthy, vibrant, San Antonio.

More information can be found at http://www.samm.org

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Susan Scheuer at 210-321-5630 or email at sscheuer@samm.org.