November 20, 2009
For the third year, Dr. Lisa Fox, Dr. James Norwood and Dr. Patrick Wilson of Colorado Kids Pediatric Dentistry implemented their Halloween candy buy-back program at the office. Far surpassing any of their previous efforts, this year drew in 1,040 pounds of candy – that’s over a half ton of candy, or the equivalent weight of a cow or baby elephant.
As in year’s past, the office advertised the event to patients and the community, telling families that the pediatric practice would buy-back trick-or-treating treasures for $1 per pound, up to 10 pounds. The candy collected was taken to Fort Carson and mailed overseas to troops. The office also had the kids write short notes to the troops to enclose in the candy bags. They’ve heard that the troops enjoy those letters just as much, if not more, than the candy.
This year, KDVR Fox 31 and CW2 The Deuce heard about the dental practice and interviewed Dr. Fox the day before Halloween about their annual program. Once news hit, “people who didn’t even know the office existed, were stopping by with their kids to drop off candy,” Dr. Fox said. She also gained several new patients because of the positive impact of the program.
“Our goal of this was never to get new patients, but it’s great to have that result,” Dr. Fox continued. Initially the program started as a way to battle the rush of lost crowns and loose space maintainers, not to mention toothaches, after kids consumed way too many sweet, sticky treats.
While the office accepted leftover candy from parents and adults, the buy-back portion of the program was only for kids. Fort Carson shipped the candy for free to troops needing a sweet reminder of home on Halloween.
Pictured in the photo: Laura Flanagan, RDH (left); Leigh Ann Byrum, assistant; Stella Fox, assistant; Dr. Lisa Fox and Kathy Gurule, RDH.
