Little Rock and Pine Bluff area residents will have a chance to exchange Halloween candy for toys and send sweets to deployed U.S. troops, veterans and first responders during Operation Troop Treats at Kool Smiles dental offices.
From Saturday, Oct. 27 through Saturday, Nov. 3, people may visit Kool Smiles at Pine Bluff and Little Rock to exchange their Halloween candy for toys.
Every child can receive one toy for every 25 pieces of unopened candy in its original packaging. The program is open to everyone. There is a limit of three toys per child and toys are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, according to a news release.
In partnership with Operation Gratitude, the dental offices are hosting the seventh annual candy exchange.
All donated candy will be sent in care packages to U.S. service members overseas and area veterans and first responders via Operation Gratitude.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“Operation Troop Treats promotes healthy dental habits during Halloween, and brings a little bit of holiday joy to U.S. service members deployed overseas and those who are with us here at home,” said Dr. David Moore, senior dental director for Kool Smiles Little Rock and Pine Bluff.
“Many of our Kool Smiles patient families and employees are current or former service members, so this is a small way for us to share a smile with our troops and say thank you to those who sacrifice so much to ensure our safety and security,” Moore said.
The dentists will also donate 200 dental care kits and the funds to cover the assembly and shipment of 200 Operation Gratitude care packages filled with letters of appreciation, food, entertainment and hygiene items and other items, according to the release.
“Operation Gratitude is a 501(c)(3), volunteer-based organization that annually produces more than 200,000 care packages for U.S. Service Members deployed in harm’s way, their children, Wounded Heroes, Veterans, New Recruits and First Responders,” according to the release.
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Kevin Schmiegel is chief executive officer of Operation Gratitude.
“Operation Gratitude’s mission is to thank all who serve, bridging the divide between grateful Americans and the Heroes who serve and protect them,” Schmiegel said. “The Halloween Candy Give-Back Program provides every American child the opportunity to learn about service, sacrifice and generosity.”
Moore said that Operation Troop Treats is a fun way to teach children about the importance of giving back, making others smile and learning about how to avoid cavities.
“Brushing twice daily and getting regular dental checkups is vital for people of all ages. However, Halloween is an especially important time for parents to pay close attention to their children’s dental health and sugar intake,” according to the release.
Details: http://operationtrooptreats.com/