Halloween Candy Buy Back
From state rep. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield: REP. STEPHANIE STUCKEY BENFIELD & REP. MICHELE HENSON
and KOOL SMILES Dental Office to SPONSOR CANDY BUY BACK for DEKALB TRICK-OR-TREATERS
Halloween, for many young people, is synonymous with candy. Two state representatives from DeKalb County, Stephanie Stuckey Benfield and Michelle Henson, have found a positive way for children to enjoy the holiday, limit candy consumption, and support our troops overseas.
In conjunction with Kool Smiles, both representatives are sponsoring a candy buy back initiative where the first 100 trick-or-treaters (ages 2-16) can trade three or more pounds of candy for a $5.00 gift certificate to Subway Sandwich Shop. From November 1st to the 6th, kids can drop off the candy to Kool Smiles to receive the gift certificate. Drop offs will be collected during normal business hours (9:00 am to 6:00 pm). The candy will be shipped to U.S. soldiers stationed abroad through Operation Gratitude.
"I read on the internet where dentists from throughout the country are sponsoring such an initiative. I immediately thought it was a fantastic idea. It ensures our children can have fun, but still do something good for others," stated Rep. Benfield.
93% of children in the U.S. are expected to consume $2 billion worth of candy this Halloween. "While candy in moderation is fine," says Rep. Henson, "we want kids to know that too many sweets can cause tooth decay." Rep. Benfield, whose grandfather founded the Stuckey's candy store chain, jokes that she definitely supports the occasional candy bar for children, "but it should all be in moderation. We want children to make healthy food choices and learn to have a balanced diet."
Kool Smiles is a network of dentists whose offices and service are tailored for young people and their parents. Their address is 1756 Candler Road, Decatur, Georgia 30032.
Operation Gratitude is a non-profit organization that provides care packages to tens of thousands of our American Service Members. For more information, visit www.opgratitude.com.
For further information, please contact Stephanie Stuckey Benfield (404) 964-7025 or Michele Henson (404) 296-1442.