The Halloween Candy Buy Back
A tradition of service, health, and gratitude — and one of the largest troop letter-writing campaigns of its kind.
For more than two decades, what began as a simple idea has grown into something far greater than we ever imagined.
Each year, the day after Halloween, children bring in their candy and we buy it from them at one dollar per pound.
It’s a small exchange that carries a big lesson, learned early in life: your health matters, your choices matter, and taking care of your smile is part of living a better life. Over time, that simple idea became something far bigger — members of the United States Army began joining us in the office each year, and families weren’t just dropping off candy anymore. Children were meeting real heroes, shaking hands, asking questions, and building a connection to something larger than themselves.
From a bag of candy to a letter overseas
Bring your candy
Children walk through our doors and weigh their Halloween haul right on the spot.
Trade it for cash
We buy the candy back at one dollar per pound — a healthier choice that pays off the moment they make it.
Play games & meet the troops
From there, kids step into a welcoming environment full of carnival games, laughter, and time with our team and the members of the U.S. Army who join us each year.
Write a thank-you letter
Every child sits down to write a personal note to a deployed service member — filled with drawings, encouragement, and kindness.
Shipped overseas
The letters are collected and shipped abroad alongside care packages — and we include dental supplies to support our troops’ health while they serve.
Every child sits down to write a personal thank-you letter to a deployed service member. That is the heart of the day.
Heartfelt notes — full of drawings, encouragement, and kindness — are collected and shipped overseas along with care packages bound for troops far from home.
We include dental supplies in every shipment to support the health of our service members while they’re serving abroad.
A reminder to our troops that they are seen, appreciated, and never forgotten.
What this mission is really about
Promoting healthier habits in children — one pound of candy at a time.
Connecting families with the men and women who serve our country.
Reminding our troops that they are seen, appreciated, and never forgotten.
This is more than an event. It reflects who we are.
We believe dentistry isn’t just about teeth — it’s about improving lives, building community, and creating moments that matter.