Dr. Casazza poses with the 668 pounds of candy just before it went out for shipment and drop-off to troops and veterans.
As the holiday season begins, Future of Dentistry and the local community are thankful for our troops, and excited to show it with 668 pounds of candy!
Reading’s Cub Scout Pack 735 and their families were a big help again this year! Pack 735 thanked their helpers, Cuatico (Lockhart), Mrs. Demasse-Furrier and Grandpa Crosby.
Our Wakefield office teamed up with local schools, youth groups and families for our annual Treats For Troops program. Children are invited to donate some of their Halloween candy as a way to thank those who serve. This year, Future of Dentistry collected 668 pounds of candy from families all around Greater Boston and the North Shore!
“The most important part of the program is showing support for our troops and veterans,” says Dr. Gerry Casazza, our founder. “It’s a great chance for kids to learn about giving back. Of course, it’s also good for kids’ teeth to have a little less candy around the house!”
Schools and Scout groups play a major role in Treats For Troops every year, along with their parents and teachers. Donating between 100 and 200 pounds each were the Greenwood School of Wakefield, the Barrows School of Reading, and the Killam School of Reading in collaboration with Cub Scout Pack 735 of Reading. As always, Pack 735 demonstrated their community dedication by promoting the candy drive and organizing and transporting their school’s collection.
We love seeing kids learning about giving back, and all the hands-on effort they put in! It makes the Treats For Troops program extra special.
Some of the Greenwood students pose with candy they collected for the Treats For Troops program.
Many children provided personalized messages for the troops on special “Dear Hero” stationary that we provided. Some also included some adorable handmade cards! Along with all the treats and messages, Future of Dentistry also sent toothbrushes to the military.
Future of Dentistry ships the majority of the candy so it is received by U.S. military personnel all over the world, helped in part by Operation Gratitude. In addition, we work with several groups and supporters to ensure the treats reach local veterans and active-duty servicemen and -women from our local communities.
Future of Dentistry would like to thank these local partners, including: the Wakefield Veteran Services Office, Paula Berg of Wakefield, Helping Our Troops of Stoneham and Operation Troop Support of Danvers.
Thank you again to all the families and partners who made this possible! We are thrilled to see the Treats For Troops program succeed every year, and we hope the troops and veterans enjoy their candy!
To learn more about Treats For Troops, please visit our website to text, call or message us.
A few of the many volunteers from Future of Dentistry’s Wakefield team!
Messages from the kids put the “care” in care package!