Macon Dentist gives out cash for candy

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – For those parents out there who felt their child probably collected too much candy from their Halloween adventures, one local dentist provided them with a solution.

The MaconSmiles Family Dentistry located on Forsyth Road held it’s 7th Annual Candy Buyback Wednesday afternoon from 3p.m. until 6p.m.

Children could bring candy and receive $1 for 1 lbs. of sugary sweets. The tots were also able to take home light-up toothbrushes in exchange for some of their trick-or-treat haul.

“By doing this, we’re trying to send a message about getting the candy out of the house, better nutrition in the home, as well as reducing cavities,” said Dr. Sheila K. Shah.

Students in the ROTC program at Central High School were also on hand to help weigh the candy and pay out any dollars earned.

However, these treats weren’t just thrown out. As part of the nationwide “Operation Gratitude” initiative, all candy will be placed in boxes and shipped to service members of the military stationed overseas.

Dr. Shah said while the payback was only for today, they will still take candy donations to send to the troops for a little while longer.