In the News – Lowe Orthodontics’ candy buy-back helped the troops
By PAMELA SROKA-HOLZMANN
Staff Writer
FLEMINGTON — In an effort to teach children the importance of maintaining healthy smiles while also aiding U.S. troops overseas, borough-based Lowe Orthodontics has raised nearly $400 during a candy buy-back program.
During the program, which was held earlier this month, Dr. Darren Loew bought for $1 per pound any unopened candy from any child who came to the office. About 390 pounds of candy were collected, according to representatives of Lowe Orthodontics.
That money was then donated to charity and the candy was turned over to Rose Holden, director of development and public relations at the Center for Educational Advancement. Holden’s son, Michael, on Nov. 3 was deployed to Afghanistan with the Marine Corps.
Michael Holden also is affiliated with the Hunterdon Marine Corps League Bulldogs, Detachment No. 927. The Bulldogs participate in Operation Shoebox New Jersey, which sends care packages to troops fighting overseas. The candy was part of those packages, said Janna Gay, a spokeswoman for Loew Orthodontics.
“These kids get so much candy, which aren’t healthy for their teeth or braces, so I wanted to give the kids some excitement so they actually get something back from giving away their candy,” Loew has said. “Giving candy to the troops helps them (troops) enjoy Halloween when they can’t be at home. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
This is the fifth consecutive year Loew Orthodontics held the program. In 2008, the orthodontics office collected more than 425 pounds of Halloween candy for the troops. During both last year and this year’s programs, nearly $800 total has been donated to the Hunterdon Outreach Program. The program, started in spring 2003, promotes and develops different sports for children in the community who are physically or developmentally disabled.