Taking candy from children is usually frowned upon but teaching them the value of giving back by donating their excess Halloween candy in support of Operation Gratitude’s Care Package Programs for U.S. Troops, Veterans and First Responders is a win-win for kids, parents, and dentists.
This Halloween, local trick-or-treaters will join kids across the country when they donate their extra Halloween candy to Operation Gratitude to Cook Family Dentistry. The sweet treats will be included along with handwritten thank you letters in Care Packages sent to U.S. Service Members deployed overseas, Veterans, and to First Responders serving in their local communities.
Dr. Cassidy Cook is proud to participate in the Operation Gratitude Halloween GIVE-Back Program to reduce excess sugar consumption, prevent dental decay, and teach children the importance of saying “Thank You” to all who serve.
“This is a great way to give back to those who are serving overseas in the military and those who are serving our communities as first responders,” said Dr. Cassidy Cook. “We’re happy to give back to them in some small way by donating extra candy and toothbrushes and we hope it makes them smile.”
Americans spend an estimated $2.5 billion dollars on a whopping 600 million pounds of Halloween candy each year. In 2017, more than 400,000 pounds of candy was donated to Operation Gratitude and distributed to America’s Heroes through its care package programs.
“Operation Gratitude’s mission is to thank all who serve, bridging the divide between grateful Americans and the Heroes who serve and protect them,” said Kevin Schmiegel, Lieutenant Colonel, USMC (Ret.) and CEO of Operation Gratitude. “The Halloween Candy Give-Back Program provides every American child the opportunity to learn about service, sacrifice, and generosity.”
Candy and handwritten thank you letters for deployed Service Members, Veterans, and First Responders will be collected at Cook Family Dentistry at 2441 US-98 suite 107 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32549 between Monday, October 29th and Thursday, November 8th from 8:00 – 4:30 pm. Operation Gratitude is also accepting donations of dental floss and travel-sized toothpaste, as well as pens for deployed troops writing letters home during the holidays. Visit www.operationgratitude.com/express-your-thanks/halloween-candy to learn more.
