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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — For the fifth year in a row, people lined up outside Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova and waited for hours.

One of them, Shekila Jones, wanted to get a cavity filled. The last time she saw a dentist was a year ago at the Mid-South Mission of Mercy. It’s all she can afford.

“I’m very grateful. I’m very happy.”

The Mid-South Mission of Mercy will be taking care of the dental needs of nearly 2,500 uninsured or under insured patients both Friday and Saturday. Dozens of volunteers will be doing everything from cleanings to oral surgery.

Last year, dentists extracted more than 2,000 teeth and provided $6 million in free dental work

“This is so different for those people who don’t have those opportunities and it’s a life changer for them. You know, they’ve walked around town in pain,” said Dr. Stueart Hudsmith.

The clinic is open to anyone in the Mid-South who needs a little help, not just those living in Shelby County.

During the free event, patients will be seen on a first come, first serve basis. Organizers encourage anyone who wishes to participate to get there early and come dressed warmly.

The clinic has provided over $3.4 million worth of dentistry care to more than 6,200 patients since 2016. They’ve also enlisted the help of more than 6,000 volunteers.

The Mid-South Mission of Mercy costs around $200,000 and this year organizers say they are about $100,000 short of their fund-raising goal. You can still help. To donate just click on this link http://www.midsouthmissionofmercy.org/donate

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