Just days after Halloween, students from three area schools gave up almost 300 pounds of candy, albeit for a good cause.
Students from Jaffrey Grade School, Rindge Memorial School, and Highbridge Hill Elementary School donated 277 pounds of candy as a part of a candy buyback program sponsored by Monadnock Dental Associates of Jaffrey.
“I think it’s great [that kids are giving up their candy],” said dentist Zane Broome, who started the program six years ago. “Every year, the amount of candy donated has gone up. People in the community are becoming more aware of the program.”
Broome says the candy that has been collected will be sent to Operation Gratitude, a charity that will send the candy to veterans overseas. Additionally, Broome said close to 200 letters were handwritten by students.
“It should definitely be uplifting for the soldiers,” said Broome. “I want to thank all the students who took the time to write letters.”
Broome says he is now getting ready to cut checks to each of the schools. As a part of the program, Broome gives each student who donates a toothbrush – which were given out at the time of donation – and also gives the school at least $1 per pound donated.
The amount of candy collected this year far surpassed the amount collected last year – 201 pounds – something that is even more remarkable as last year there was an additional school collecting candy.
Nicholas Handy can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 235 or nhandy@ledgertranscript.com. He is also on Twitter @nhandyMLT.