Extra treats can be donated to troops

AGAWAM, Mass. (WWLP) - Operation Gratitude Halloween is a candy collection program that benefits deployed troops. Dental offices gather goods that are shipped overseas. Last year 21 tons of treats were collected across the country.

Frank Conlon is a Vietnam Veteran from Agawam. He explained to 22News why care packages are important to deployed troops: "You look forward to that every day, every week you get something from home… Because it keeps you in contact. You know people care."

Dr. Michael Calabrese of Agawam Dental Arts told 22News on Wednesday that the office collected more than 200 pound of candy. The Feeding Hills office raffled off a $1000 savings bond on Sunday. For each pound of candy carried in, kids received one ticket.

“Last weekend we drew out somebody’s name, and it was a 4 year old little girl that got a $1000 savings bond,” said Dr. Calabrese.

“But we’ve actually gotten probably about another 30 or 40 pounds of candy,” he continued. “People heard about it and they just kept calling. We said, ‘the raffle’s over’. And they said, ‘that’s ok. We’re going to donate it.’”

Dental offices can join the Halloween Candy Buyback Program, free of charge, at www.halloweencandybuyback.com . Dentists are encouraged to trade children $1 for each pound of candy donated.

Click here to find a dentist office in your area participating in Operation Gratitude.