Halloween candy buyback sends sweets to troops

A Newport Beach dental office will buy children’s Halloween candy and then help send the sweets to American service members overseas.

Beginning Nov. 6, the office of Dr. J. Foster Weems, 1617 Westcliff Drive, No. 201, will give local trick-or-treaters $2 for each pound of candy they bring in. The candy can be sold in-person at the office between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.

They will then give that candy to Operation Gratitude’s Halloween Candy Buyback program.

The San Fernando Valley-based nonprofit provides care packages to active-duty American service members, veterans, the wounded and first responders. According to the organization’s website, it sent 125 tons of candy last year.

Weems’ office will also donate $200 to the Children’s Miracle Network, which raises funds for children’s hospitals nationwide.

“It is a well-known fact that too much candy can lead to uncomfortable dental problems,” Weems’ office said in a news release. “Dr. Weems and his staff are doing something about it while contributing to the Children’s Network.”

—Bradley Zint

Twitter: @bradleyzint