WRCB Channel 3 Chattanooga News, Weather | Dentists Buy Halloween Candy Back for Charitable Cause

Dentists Buy Halloween Candy Back for Charitable Cause

UPDATE 6PM SUNDAY

As the war in Afghanistan heats up US forces on the frontline can expect a care package from Chattanooga, better yet, a sweet treat. Smiles of Chattanooga dentist office is shipping pounds of Halloween candy to troops such as Stephanie Gabor's son who is serving overseas.

"We are sending to him and other guys like him just as a memory of their own childhood and to show them that we support them."

Tthe death toll has risen significantly since the war began in 2001.

There were 12 deaths within the first year of the war.

Beginning in 2005, the US forces casualties reached near triple digits, and 2009 has been the deadliest yet with 281 casulties.

In October 53 troops were killed during the first 29 days. 

CHATTANOOGA (WRCB) - Halloween is a holiday filled with ghosts and ghouls and scary things, including cavity-causing candy if you're a dentist.

Dr. Jared Evans has seen the affects of sugar and candy for years and finally decided enough is enough.

"It's just one way we can promote health, also gives kids chance to come to a dentist's office and have fun," he said.

So the dentist is fighting back by actually buying back trick or treater's candy. One dollar for every pound of candy. He spent more than $350 on kids candy last year.

It is a buy-back program designed to give back to the community. His concern for enamel is helping to enable a charitable cause.

All of the candy goes to care packages for troops overseas. An organization called Operation Gratitude packages the candy and sends it to troops helping this dentist give back.

"A lot of parents are serving overseas when we see the kids and talk to them, so it's one way of letting our kids and our families know that we support them," said Evans.

Call it the best treat of all for this dentist tired of cavities.

Kids get a goodie bag including a toothbrush and dental floss. The dentist's office will ship the candy to Operation Gratitude, a California nonprofit that sends care packages to troops overseas.

There is long list of dentists participating in our area.

In Cleveland:

• Dr. Ken Beard on 25th Street
• Cleveland Dental Associates on Interstate Drive

In Athens:

• Dogwood Dental Care on Congress Parkway

In Chattanooga:

• Dr. Robert Gallien on Traditions Drive 
• Smiles of Chattanooga on Highway 58