By Dawn Krebs
dkrebs@hometownnewsol.com
ST. LUCIE COUNTY - While children all over the county will go out on Oct. 31 dressed to trick or treat, two dentists' offices are offering to take some of the sugary burden off their hands the next day.
Both Ardalan Pediatric Dentistry and Dermody Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics are taking part in "Cash for Candy," a national program
The program, started by a dentist years ago, allows children to weigh their candy and be paid $1 per pound for turning it in.
"We try to make it fun for the kids," said Christine Huff, business manager of Dermody Pediatric Dentistry. "Last year, we collected 406 pound of candy."
This year, the business will hold outside events to make it fun for the children, including face painting, and food such as popcorn, apples and oranges, and will hand out goodie bags with local business coupons, as well as toothbrushes and toothpaste.
"The whole community really wraps itself around the event," said Ms. Huff.
This is the fifth year the office has participated. After accepting the clean, wrapped candy, the business donates it to three area nursing homes for seniors.
"We have children create cards for the residents of the nursing homes," Ms. Huff said. "It lets the children give something back to the community."
Also participating for the past five years is Ardalan Pediatric Dentistry.
"It's a great event," said Reza Ardalan. "The kids come up, and they're so proud of themselves."
They box up the donated candy and mail it to the troops overseas.
"It's a great thing, and we're happy to do it," Dr. Ardalan said.
Ardalan Pediatric Dentistry will accept candy on Nov. 1 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. There is a 5 pound limit. The office is located at 374 S.W. Prima Vista Blvd., in Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 344-4664.
Dermody Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics will accept candy from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 1. The office is located at 441 S.W. Bethany Drive in Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 879-1879.