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North Jersey Halloween candy buy-back helps troops, kids
Already dreading the Halloween candy bounty? Looking for the places to hide it or planning to slowly throw it away over time? No need. You and your children can cut down on the candy and do something good for others at the same time.
Many North Jersey dentists are participating in a candy buy-back program that allows kids to get $1 a pound and also do something nice for U.S. troops.
The candy — along with letters or postcards from the kids — gets sent overseas, along with toothbrushes and other oral care items.
"This is our eighth annual candy buy-back and it's one of my favorite events of the year," said Dr. Larry Kaplan, whose Totowa dental practice collected more than 650 pounds of candy last year.
Kaplan considers it a time for educating kids not only about dental hygiene but also sugar intake — for their teeth and overall health — as well as to show appreciation to the troops.
"I get very emotional about this, because it touches my heart," he said.
Kaplan's office, which has teamed up to get candy from local schools as well as from individuals, will collect the donations 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 3 to 8 p.m. next Monday.
Dr. Scott Peters, a Mahwah dentist, has been doing this for six years. He first joined the program when he heard of its connection to the troops.
"It's a great thing," he said. "We love to collect it."
His office will accept candy from next Monday to Nov. 7. Last year they collected more than 100 pounds. He has a few birthday parties that are going to come as a group and will be giving the kids up to $5, as well as a bag with items like a toothbrush, pencil, eraser and stickers.
The project takes up a lot of office time and is an expense to the dentists, but they are happy to make the effort.
"It's worth it to get the candy off the street," said Peters.
Neither Peters nor Kaplan take a hard-line, no-candy-ever stance.
"We're giving a message – enjoy your candy, in moderation, don't deprive yourself, but also make sure you pay attention to good oral health care because that makes a difference in the health care of your teeth and the quality of your life," said Kaplan.
"What are you going to do?" said Peters. "I have to say I'm not a non-candy person. It's do what I say, don't do what I do. I'm one of the worst ones."
Email: yoriok@northjersey.com
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