For the past few years readers have asked me and I have been in search of what to do with left-over and extra Halloween candy. There were a number of great options shared online that would work, but nothing that really floated my boat. I read about freezing the candy for treats later on, but I don’t want candy at my children’s disposal OR mine all year long. I also believe that just because they get a gob of candy trick-or-treating doesn’t mean they (well, with a little help from me…who am I kidding?!) need to eat all of it. I also read about keeping the candy to decorate Christmas houses – well, okay, but still not a favorite idea.
So, what do we do with all those treats?
Well, I did the research and found dental offices around town participating in Halloween Candy BuyBack. Halloween Candy BuyBack is a program that sends donated Halloween candy overseas to our troops…along with a toothbrush. The idea is to not only have fun trick-or-treating, but to support our troops by sending them a little Halloween love – along with dental hygiene tools to help keep their smiles shiny and clean!
I spoke with a few wonderfully helpful dentists that are taking donations, but potentially more will be added to the list before Beggar’s Night. Click here: Halloween Candy BuyBack and put in your zip code for a participating office near you. I have a list below with information, but not all have determined a drop off date, yet. Many of them offer a $1/pound for the candy and will also take cash donations to help cover the cost of shipping and dental hygiene kits/toothbrushes (maybe offer those dollars earned for candy to help with shipping?). Families are also encouraged to send a card or personalized letter to go with the candy. Give our soldiers a treat from home and reminder that we are thinking of them!
Here’s the information I gathered, as follows:
*Please note: donations are accepted from the community, not just current patients of a participating office*
Warnock Dentistry
925 N State Street
Suite D (in rear of building)
Westerville, OH 43082
Phone: 614-891-2008
- Drop off: Thursday, Nov 1, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (we will not be mailing off the goodies until Nov 8th so we can accept buybacks through Nov 7th during our normal office hours)
- We prefer that it be packaged in plastic bags (grocery store bags are fine) and that they are either tied or sealed.
- We offer $1.00/pound for the candy AND each “candy seller” will have their name entered into our drawing for a “ghostly gift basket” (drawing will be held at the close of business on Nov 7th and the winners parent or guardian will be notified by phone).
- Participants are welcome to add letters, notes, phone cards, or any other item they would like. We would advise them to take a look at the suggestions on the website www.halloweencandybuyback.com/
about.html .
- Drop off: Saturday, November 3, 2012 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- No need to be bagged or boxed in a specific way, they will take care of that at the office.
- Drop off date: TBD – please give them a call if this location is closest to you. If I hear back from them I will update my post.
- Candy doesn’t have to be packaged a certain way, they will take care of that in their office.
- Cash is given to people donating. They will weigh the candy to determine how much you earn.
New Albany Ohio
Phone: 614-775-0840
- Drop off date: Friday, November 2, 2012 from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Can bring in a bag, they will package for shipping.
- The child must accompany the candy, and they have a 5 lb limit on candy and give the child $1 per pound.
Kiourtisis Orthodontics (2 offices)
Hilliard: 4440 Avery Road
614-527-0002
- Drop off dates: Thursday, November 1 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. & Monday, Novermber 5 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- They will buy it back $1 per pound, 10 pound maximum.
Grove City: 4166 Hoover Road
614-875-6169
- Drop off dates: Friday, November 2 from 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. & Tuesday, November 6 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- They will buy it back $1 per pound 10 pound maximum.
