Cape dental office offers candy buyback

It's not every day a dentist's office requests candy, but Ruopp & Ruopp Dentistry of Cape Girardeau is asking children to bring in their Halloween bounty for a candy buyback. Through Nov. 11, children can receive $1 per pound of wrapped candy which will be sent out to deployed soldiers through Operation Gratitude. Children are also encouraged to write a letter to the troops.

"This is a perfect fit for a dental office," Dr. Janet Ruopp said. "We encourage children to bring their candy by, they get money, and they don't get as much sweets that could cause cavities."

This is Ruopp & Ruopp's third year to offer a candy buyback. According to Ruopp, the business collected 80 pounds of candy the first year. Last year the total reached 120 pounds.

"We're hoping for 150 pounds this year," Ruopp said. "We thought the candy buyback was a super great idea. We want to keep candy away from children, and Operation Gratitude was a perfect fit; they've been easy to work with. Our troops don't have access to American candy.

"We've gotten a good response from the community and a lot of good candy. It's cute seeing the children come in and get money for their candy, and we get to keep the troops happy."

According to Ruopp, the importance of the candy buyback is instructing children on good dental hygiene and supporting the troops.

"Kids get to share their candy with the troops and get a good message," Ruopp said. "We are thrilled with the outpouring of community support for a patriotic event."

Anyone who wants to participate can bring candy by Ruopp & Ruopp Dentistry at 1818 Broadway from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call the office at 334-8884 or go online to www.halloweencandybuyback.com.

apicar@semissourian.com

388-3648

Pertinent address: 1818 Broadway, Cape Girardeau