Local Dentist to Give Kids Cash for Candy

Candy for A Cause: Halloween Candy GIVE-Back Program Underway at The Classic Smile

Taking candy from children is usually frowned upon, but teaching kids the value of giving back by donating their excess Halloween candy in support of U.S. Troops and First Responders is a win-win for kids, parents, and dentists alike.

This Halloween, local trick-or-treaters will join kids across the nation when they bring their Halloween candy and handwritten letters of gratitude to the goodies will be shipped to Operation Gratitude for inclusion in Care Packages to U.S. Service Members deployed overseas in harm’s way and to First Responders serving here at home.

Dr. Richard Short of The Classic Smile in Medford is proud to participate in the Operation Gratitude Halloween GIVE-Back Program to reduce excess sugar consumption, prevent dental decay, and teach children the importance of saying “Thank You” to all who serve. Dr. Short supports this anti-decay movement by giving away dollars and dental health goodies bags in exchange for cavity-provoking candy.

This Halloween, trick-or-treaters can bring their excess candy to The Classic Smile and receive $1 for every pound of candy they donate (limit of 5lbs per person). Candy will be collected at The Classic Smile on Thursday, November 3rd from 3pm-6pm. The Classic Smile is located at 92 High Street Suite 12, Medford MA. The candy must be unopened. Please no bites.

Americans spend an estimated $2.5 billion dollars on a whopping 600 million pounds of Halloween Candy each year. In 2015 alone, 294 tons of that candy was sent to Operation Gratitude for distribution through its Care Package Programs.

“Operation Gratitude has shipped more than 1.6 Million Care Packages that include items such as DVDs, handmade scarves and hygiene products. Halloween candy is a wonderful addition to these packages,” says Operation Gratitude’s founder, Carolyn Blashek. “The candy is a great morale boost for the troops, and a means to create positive interaction with local children. Equally important is that the Halloween Candy GIVE-Back Program provides every American child the opportunity to learn about service and generosity.”

Candy and handwritten letters or drawings to Service Members will be collected. In addition, The Classic Smile will provide paper and writing utensils for anyone who would like to write a letter.

– Submitted by The Classic Smile