Residents with leftover candy, and kids who want to make a few extra dollars, can donate their Halloween treats for a good cause.
Several locations in Ahwatukee Foothills are accepting candy to be sent to charitable organizations who will then ship the candy to U.S. service men and women stationed overseas.
Kids up to 12 years old will receive $1 for every pound, up to 5 pounds, of candy they donate at Dr. Walter Rapacz's office, 3646 E. Ray Road. Kids older than 12, and parents with leftovers, can donate as well. Everyone can donate Nov. 1-3, from 2 to 6 p.m.
"We're trying to reach out to everyone because it is a good cause," office manager Shelley Miller Rapacz said. "The troops are over there and they could definitely use some treats every now and then."
The Halloween Candy Buy-Back Program is nationwide, and last year shipped 125 tons of candy to men and women overseas. Rapacz said her office received 200 pounds of donated candy last year from the community.
"It was great because we had some kids tell us they wouldn't have gone trick-or-treating but did so just to donate their candy to us," Rapacz said. "We are offering additional incentives this year, including a grab bag with more healthy treats for the kids that donate."
Dental by Design, 4855 E. Warner Road, will also be accepting one pound of candy for $1 from kids of any age. Candy can be traded in anytime during normal business hours.
Woolaver Clearsmiles, 4425 E. Agave Road, will be accepting candy on Nov. 1, from 3 to 6 p.m., for the same $1 per pound, up to five pounds. They will also match the money and donate it to the kid's school.
To find out more about the program, visit http://www.halloweencandybuyback.com.
• Contact writer: (480) 898-4903 or troemhild@ahwatukee.com
