Sweet donations for troops

Another year of trick-or-treating has left many kids with not only stomachaches, but backaches from carting around all their candy. Local dentist's offices, however, found a way for families this year to donate their extra Halloween candy to armed force troops overseas and avoid potential toothaches, too. Many dentist offices in the area supported the Candy Buy-Backs, including David Petti's office in Plum Borough.

Petti said the candy is sent along with a letter, and sometimes the troops respond.

"It's a pleaser for the kids. The kids may maybe even give some information about secret hiding places in military operations," Petti said. "I didn't realize that it was going to go that far."


This is the first year that Petti's office has organized a buy-back, and they are surprised at how much attention it has received.

The only thing Petti said he is worried about is whether he will have enough storage room for the candy in his offices. He said he might have to take some home if they get a lot, but they will try to send it overseas as soon as possible prior to the collection. The office, as of Wednesday, received over 60 pounds of donations.

Getting this amount of candy overseas can also be a lengthy process, he said.


Sherry Wilson, receptionist from the office of Gottfried and Durachko Dentistry, who also does buy-backs, said she knows the candy will at least make it there by Christmas. Their office received more than 100 pounds of candy during their buy-back this year, she said.

Petti is planning on possibly sending the candy overseas through the Operation Gratitude program, which operates through the California Army National Guard to send Halloween candy to troops every year. Operation Gratitude collected and shipped 60 tons of candy last year.


"It's a win-win situation," Wilson said. "It's wonderful for the troops; they really appreciate it. It also helps the kids because it's good for dental health.