Candy Buyback Results in 1,800 pounds of candy to be shipped to troops. Another Sweet Success

What started out as an incentive to get children to reduce the amount of candy consumed after Halloween while doing a little something for U.S. troops serving in Iraq, has once again gained momentum and proved to be a huge success.

The candy buyback started three years ago when Mathew Kurtz, son of Dr. Hagen and office manager Jenny Hagen, was serving in Iraq.

"While he was over there, he said a lot of the troops never got anything from home. We thought this would be something small we could do to change that," said Dr. Hagen. "We all know that the candy kids get on Halloween is really too much for them to eat. While the candy buyback encourages kids to take care of their teeth, it teaches them generosity and to appreciate the sacrifice these brave men and women are making."

For the third year in a row, Hagan Dental Practice has held a successful candy buyback. This year was no exception, with 1,800 pounds of candy collected.

This program has gained popularity and expanded to other tri-state dentists, including Dr. Hill of Finneytown, Dr. Henize of Blue Ash, and Drs. Smith and Elliott of Northern Ky., as well as other dental practices throughout the country.

A big thank you to everyone who participated and donated candy this year!