Dentist trades cash for candy, sends sweets to troops

PEWAUKEE (WITI) -- Pewaukee Dental is giving kids cash for trading in their Halloween candy on Saturday morning, November 2nd -- then mailing the sweets to troops stationed overseas.

For the sixth year, owner Mike Schneidler is rewarding trick-or-treaters with money for turning in their goodies. Children can collect one dollar for each pound of candy, up to $10.

"It's to get some of the candy out of their hands, a little bit better oral health," said Schneidler. "From here, the candy is divided up. It will be sent in special care packages to our troops overseas."

The packages are part of Operation Gratitude -- Troops often hand out candy to children in the communities where they're stationed. As kids in Pewaukee hand over their Halloween goodies, they also make cards to send along with the care packages.

"One of my daughters said 'thank you' and drew a picture of a flag. The other drew a picture of an Army man," said Lisa Hoeck.

Those turning in treats will go home with a bag full of toothpaste and toothbrushes.

Last year Pewaukee Dental collected almost 1,000 pounds of candy.