The annual Halloween candy buy-back program run by Kids First Dentistry & First Impressions Orthodontics of Fairfield, Norwalk and Monroe, caught the attention of one of their patients who wanted to help the effort. As a result, the office collected another 100 pounds of treats.
Riverfield School student Grace Palumbo, along with her friend Christina Wrobel, sent a letter to classmates and coordinated a candy collection for the buy-back program.
"We brought big boxes to the post office weighing 70 pounds each," said Laura Epifano, who has worked for Kids First Dentistry for 36 years. She said this is their fifth year running the buy-back program. "It cost $300 to send 300 pounds. We also included toothbrushes."
This year, the military allowed them to send chocolate, something she was happy about. "We love to send the good stuff. Everyone wants some chocolate," she said, noting that she has a friend aboard the USS Wasp.
The candy shipment is sent to a central location and then flown to the ship in the Middle East. The USS Wasp deployed for the first time in 11 years in September. It's expected to return sometime after Christmas.
"People are so happy to give. The program keeps growing every year," she said.
Kids First Dentistry & Orthodontics is located at 1478 Post Rd., Fairfield; 493 Westport Ave., Norwalk; and 324 Elm St. #101B, Monroe.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Fairfield and receive free news updates.