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Kids Get Money; Troops Get Candy

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By JESSICA BALANZA, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 27, 2007

CARROLLWOOD - Children this Halloween can savor the trick-or-treat experience and then cash in on their candy with a Carrollwood dentist.

From 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, children may take their candy from Halloween night to trade in for money at John C. Belcher Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, 3614 Madaca Lane.

'It's a win, win situation for everyone,' Belcher said.

Children will receive a dollar for each pound of candy. Belcher will send the collected candy to military troops in Iraq.

'Get sugar and candy out of their children's mouths and to the troops so they know we are thinking of them,' Belcher said.
Belcher has had a dental practice in Carrollwood since 1988. He said the cash for candy idea came from a colleague in Minnesota who initiated the collection last year. Belcher was inspired to try it in Carrollwood.

After Halloween, kids have sugar in their mouths for several hours at a time.

'All that sugar is very conducive for decay,' Belcher said.
Belcher and employees from the office have been trying to spread the word by sending out fliers and letting patients know about the Cash for Candy. He said if it is well received he may host the event after each Halloween.

In the meantime, people in his office have been collecting dollars to pay the children on Thursday. Belcher has contacted America Supports You and, through Operation Gratitude, will be able to send the candy to troops in Iraq.

Jessica Balanza can be reached at (813) 865-1518 or at jbalanza@ tampatrib.com.

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