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Dr. Archer Katz, an Emerson native who owns Emerson Dental Arts, is again having his candy buy-back program, which benefits U.S. troops and the St. Jude Children's Hospital, as well as helping parents pare down their kids' loot.
When local kids bring in their candy, Katz will present them with a $10 Toys 'R' Us gift card. Diana Overacker, the practice manager for the dental office, told Daily Voice there's no minimum amount kids need to bring in -- just as much as they'll part with.
The collected candy will then be shipped to deployed troops, through Operation Gratitude.
Overacker said the idea isn't that candy is bad, just that sweets should be eaten in moderation. She said another goal is "to help instill that giving spirit in the kids."
Katz also matches the gift card totals with a donation to the St. Jude Children's Hospital, on behalf of the kids who participate. In 2015, he donated $400.
Last year's program gathered a whopping 90 or so pounds of candy. Overacker said passing it on to troops provides "a treat from home, something they can't readily get."
Emerson Dental Arts is at 310 Main St. Kids can bring their candy in on these dates:
- Wednesday, Nov. 2 -- 1-7 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 3 -- 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 7 -- 10 a.m. to noon and 2-7 p.m.
For more information about Katz' dental practice, visit its website or Facebook page.
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