SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Kids can trade their trick-or-treating candy for cash and help send candy to U.S. Troops overseas.
Dentists here on the Central Coast are buying back Halloween candy for a dollar or two a pound. The candy is then going overseas to troops in Afghanistan as part of Operation Gratitude.
One local orthodontist says kids will not only get cash for their treats but they also won't get cavities.
Dental assistant Christina Rubio says, "to teach them about you know giving back to those fighting hard for our country and to me the smallest gesture is giving candy for the huge thing they do for us."
Rubo also says kids will learn better hygiene and keep their teeth candy free.
For a list of local dentists offices participating in Operation Gratitude, you can go to www.halloweencandybuyback.com.
