Many dentist offices around the US have programs for children to donate their Halloween candy. We found the story below about the dental chain, Kool Smiles, that gives children toys for their candy donations. The candy goes to troops in Afghanistan and Iraq along with toothbrushes. This may be a good idea for your practice next Halloween!
Halloween Candy Exchange Generates More Than Four Tons of Donated Candy for U.S. Troops
Kool Smiles, a leading provider of quality dental care nationwide collected a record breaking 8,651 pounds of candy during it’s fifth annual Operation Troop Treats. Children were given the chance to exchange their Halloween candy for a toy. In collaboration with Operation Gratitude, the offices will send the candy in care packages to U.S. troops abroad. To date, Operation Troop Treats is the largest Halloween candy exchange by a U.S. dental provider.
“This year’s Operation Troop Treats was our biggest and best one yet,” said Dr. Dale Mayfield, Chief Dental Officer for Kool Smiles. “It’s heartwarming to see so many children and families in our communities giving up their Halloween candy for a good cause. We’re excited to help promote good dental health habits here at home while bringing smiles to American service members deployed overseas.” Operation Troop Treats is a small way for Kool Smiles to help share a smile with those who serve our nation each day.
In 2015, kids donated three tons of candy for the troops at Kool Smiles offices nationwide. This year’s collection exceeded that amount by more than 2,000 pounds.
In addition to the candy exchange program, Kool Smiles is donating dental kits to Operation Gratitude.
Since launching the Operation Troop Treats program in 2012, Kool Smiles has collected more than 12 tons of donated candy. They have also sent 1,000 care packages to U.S. troops deployed overseas.
This content was originally published at prnewswire.com. Read the full article below…