KALAHEO — A Halloween candy buyback turned into a benevolent act for Kauai soldiers serving in the Middle East on Thursday at the Kalaheo Dental Group.
“We just got an email from someone overseas,” said Johanna Norstadt, the Kalaheo Dental Group director of operations. “The message said our Halloween candy buyback program was a good one, sending the ‘purchased’ candy to armed forces serving overseas. But, what about the Kauai soldiers?”
Erica Taroma, Kalaheo Dental Group receptionist, said her brother Bryson is one of the Kauai troops that was deployed from the Hawaii Army National Guard based out of Hanapepe Armory.
“He is one of about 80 Kauai people that were deployed to the Middle East for a year,” Erica said. “They always welcome CARE packages — especially those that have the local treats like Spam, saimin, and instant coffee. He said he has a separate room, but it’s small because it’s like they live in a shipping container, and it’s hot.”
Dr. Michael Lutwin took the message to heart, noting they would continue to support Operation Gratitude that has shipped more than 1.6 million care packages to active military personnel since starting in 2003.
“But, we have an address for a Kauai boy,” Lutwin said. “We could probably partner with some of the other community businesses and make sure we send some to the Kauai troops stationed overseas, too.”
The problem-solving took place amidst a stream of youngsters trooping into the Kalaheo dental office with their treats from Halloween.
“I got a lot of candy,” said Blayze Kawakami. “But I didn’t eat much of it. I came because I heard about this in school.”
Under terms of the buyback, the Kalaheo Dental Group bought back the candy treats at a rate of a dollar a pound to a maximum of five pounds. Additionally, the empty treat bag was exchanged for a gift bag containing a toothbrush, and the trick-or-treaters were invited to fill out an entry blank making them eligible for a $100 gift card from the Kauai Underground Artists.
“Look, here’re vampire teeth,” said Wesley and Cameron Ferguson. “And here are some special Halloween candy treats.”
The young boys’ were encouraged to share their bounty with baby sister Stella who accompanied them on the trick or treating.
“We’ve been here for the past several years,” said Shane Ishii who accompanied his daughters Emma and Erielle with their bags of treats.”
Lutwin said there is no goal for candy collection.
“Whoever comes, comes,” he said. “Last year, we collected more than 300 pounds of candy because Sheraton Kauai Resort had a keiki event and brought over all the extra candy. They didn’t want any of the dollars, just making sure it went to a good cause.”
