Dentist, kids 'sweetly' give to troops

Madison (WTNH) - A lot of children get so much candy on Halloween that they can't possibly eat it all. But, now there's a way for kids to use their candy to give back.

Dr. Alan Friedler's Dental office is hosting " Operation Gratitude " -- a nationwide program for the buy back of Halloween candy which is then sent to our troops in the the Middle East. It's $1 a pound which fits these sellers just fine.

"Our mom told us about it. So we gave up all of our candy but we kept the Nerds and the Skittles," said Lia Iacurci of Madison.

"Well, I did have a lot of candy and stuff and I wouldn't eat it all so I gave away a little," said Evan Boyd of Madison.

In addition to selling the candy, there was an opportunity to send a message to the soldiers. The idea of charity appears to be of importance to many.

"I said thank you because they work really hard and that's not an easy thing to do," said Lily Iacurci of Madison.

Dr. Friedler's staff took great pride in putting together a festive athmosphere, even exchanging other goodies for the candy.

"It really came out beautifully. People have enjoyed it and we've gotten a good response," said Dr. Friedler. "We put out a lot in terms of mailers to the kids and with e-mails. I don't know what we are going to get but we plan to do it hopefully in years to come."

The good dentist is footing the bill for all of the buy back and shipping. After the three hour program, the boxes will be wrapped up and heading overseas.

There's no doubt the troops are gonna love the treats but it wouldn't be ethically right if the dentist didn't send along a little dental kit as well.