Halloween is finally here and tonight is the night everyone has been waiting for. Decked out in costumes and on the hunt for candy, kids of all ages will be roaming through Ahwatukee Foothills as soon as the sun starts to set and nighttime falls.
In 2011, according to the research from the United States Census Bureau, around 41 million trick-or-treaters ages five to 14, in order to collect candy, flocked the streets of America. The pediatricians and dieticians state that eating candy in moderation is not harmful for kids however, it has no nutritious value.
Yaso Reddy, pediatrician at Covenant, stated that no matter how much candy is consumed; at least one healthcare tip must be taken. Sugars in the candies promote bacterial growth and can eventually damage the teeth. Consuming candies should be limited and if possible; avoided.
Thus, in the event that your children happen to collect enough bubble gum and lollipops to last them through Christmas, some dental offices are sending the candy out to soldiers in war zones by collecting candy in exchange for cash.
“This takes a lot of the sugar out of kids’ hands and over to the troops overseas,” said Dr. Rahul G. Kode, of Dental by Design in Ahwatukee.
Up to two weeks after Halloween, Dental By Design, among others, through Operation Gratitude, will be offering $1 for every pound of unopened candy. Kode said that last year, more than 150 pounds of candy was sent to the organization by the office, located at 4855 E. Warner Road.
Annually, 100,000 care packages are sent to the troops in the military by Operation Gratitude. Food, entertainment items and sometimes even personal letters are included in the care packages. The organization’s Halloween Candy Buyback is also a national program. On Nov. 1, Ahwatukee Family Dental, 11022 S. 51st St., is accepting candy from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Carrying out the buyback program, this is the office’s first year however; the staff has high hopes to continue it next year. Mindy Smith, staff member invites everyone and assures to take whatever customers bring. Last year, more than 260 pounds of donated candy were sent by Dr. Walter J. Rapacz and his staff at 3646 E. Ray Road.
Edited by
Rachel Ramsey
