Local Dentists Offer Chance To Turn Halloween Candy Into Cash
WESTLAND (WWJ) - Halloween is a busy time of year not just for the candy makers but for the cavity fixers. WWJ's Kathryn Larson reports on the patriotic act a local dentist's office is holding to put those sugary treats in the right hands.
A trip to the dentist isn't always fun, but this one has a hook you can't refuse. Dr. Shawn Morris and his partner Dr. Daniel Simmons are participating in Operation Gratitude for the third year in a row.
"We thought it was a good idea from right off the bat. The kids really enjoy doing it, they enjoy being able to do something to support the troops overseas and I think the troops really appreciate it as well," Dr. Morris said.
After trick-or-treating, children can visit the office and turn their candy into money.
"How we do this is the day after Halloween, children bring in their candy and we'll buy it back from them for a dollar per pound."
The dentists then box up all of the candy turned it and send it to Operation Gratitude -- a program that sends care packages to U.S. military members across the globe. The dentists are they're hoping for half a ton this year.
"One thousand pounds would be great, that's what we set our max at actually."
Not only will the children get cash for turning in their candy, they'll also receive a new Firefly glow in the dark toothbrush and a goody bag of donated gifts.
The dentists say if you're trying to prevent cavities, it's ok to indulge but try to stay away from the hard stuff.
"Anything that's really sticky or hard, like jawbreakers, Jolly Rancher type things like that, people can bite into and damage their teeth," Dr. Morris said.
The dentists say they do see emergency dental work around this time of year, so their best advice is not to let your sweet tooth get the best of you.
"Brushing and flossing right after you eat the candy. If you're done eating it then you might as well go brush and floss right then, because just drinking water is not going to really help," Dr. Morris said.
If you want to participate in the candy buy-back, bring any unopened candy you'd like to donate to the office of Morris, Simmons & Associates at 32363 Ann Arbor Trail in Westland between the hours of 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1. There is a five-pound maximum per child.
For more information on Operation Gratitude, visit Opgratitude.com.
