How to Turn Your Excess Halloween Candy Into Money & Help Support American Troops Overseas

Did your children come home with abundant amounts of candy this Halloween? Are you not sure what you are going to do with it all? This year you can help save your kids' teeth and waistlines and give support to U.S. troops who are serving overseas at the same time.

Participate in the Halloween Candy Buy Back Program - a national program where participating dentists ask children to turn in their extra Halloween treats in exchange for one dollar per pound of candy. Along with dollar bills, children also receive samples of dental floss, toothbrushes and anti-cavity gum. Once collected, the candy is sent to military soldiers/personnel overseas.

In one article I read, a Michigan dentist shared a letter written by soldiers in Iraq who received candy from the Buy Back Program last year. The soldiers wrote, "Thank you, thank you, we were glad to be remembered." In the same letter, the soldiers also said they had saved some candy and passed it out to children in Iraq. They made friends with these kids and many times the children provided them with valuable information such as where "bad guys" were hiding and/or where roadside bombs were hidden. Not only has the candy brought encouragement to the troops, it also has saved lives!

The following directions will teach you how to participate in the Halloween Candy Buy Back Program this year. By donating your candy, you will prevent cavities, support American troops overseas, and put a little extra cash into your pocket all at the same time! Not bad!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Leftover (Wrapped) Halloween Candy
• A Dentist Participating in the Halloween Candy Buy Back Program

1. 
    

   Collect all of your leftover Halloween candy and place it into a bag or box.

2. 
    

   Find a Halloween Candy Buy Back Program in your area by visiting the following website: http://www.halloweencandybuyback.com/ or by typing "Halloween Candy Buy Back Program" in your favorite Web Browser like Google.

3. 
    

   Once on the Halloween Candy Buy Back Program website, enter your zip code into the search field. A list of participating dentists and their contact information will appear.

4. 
    

   From the list, select the dentist closest to you and write down their contact information.

5. 
    

   Call the selected dentist's office and ask what days and times they are collecting candy for their Halloween Candy Buy Back Program.

6. 
    

   Bring your Halloween candy to the participating dentist in your area during the times they are hosting their Halloween Candy Buy Back Event.

7. 
    

   Place your candy on your dentist's food scale.

8. 
    

   Receive one dollar per pound of candy.

9. 
    

   Remember to store your money in a safe place.

10. 
     

    Either you or the dentist will then place your Halloween candy into the donation bin.

11. 
     

    Smile and enjoy the fact that you just made a healthy decision for your wellness, helped support American troops overseas, AND earned some extra cash!!

Resources

• Bamboo Core Fitness: Personal Training and Holistic Lifestyle/Wellness Coaching