Moses Lake dentist buys back candy

Sweets to be sent to troops

MOSES LAKE - A Moses Lake dentist is offering cash for Halloween candy to children, then sending the sweets to U.S. soldiers.

Dr. Craig Harder of Moses Lake Family Dentistry continues buying candy this year from anyone bringing it to his office on Monday, between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

His office is located at 975 E. Nelson Rd. in Moses Lake.

Harder is offering $1 per pound of sweets.

This is his second year doing the candy buyback, which he started after hearing of other dental offices participating in buyback programs. As a dentist, Harder buys the candy to protect children's teeth, but it serves another purpose.

He donates the collection to U.S. troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq to boost their morale.

Harder said in the past some kids brought in candy and wouldn't accept money for it because they just wanted to give it to the troops.

"They want to do their part for their country," Harder said.

Sometimes adults bring the candy not given to trick-or-treaters, he said.

Harder said there is no limit to the amount he is buying back.

Last year almost 300 pounds of candy were collected and sent to soldiers from Moses Lake and Ephrata.

This is where Harder said he encountered challenges.

"It's really difficult doing the shipping. There's no specific street address," Harder said.

Each soldier has a specific unit address with the information on where to forward it.

He said candy was sent in boxes containing about four pounds, so the 300 pounds needed to be divided, which created a lot of packaging.

"It was a lot of frustration doing that," he said.

Harder's favorite aspect of the buyback is the children's enthusiasm.

"Seeing some of the kids excited about helping out the soldiers," he said.

Along with the candy, children send a well-wishing card and questions for the soldiers.

Harder said he spoke with Wyatt Ottmar, a soldier from Moses Lake, who mentioned how good it felt to receive the candy.

"Wyatt was gracious enough to send a 'thank you' card to a young man," Harder said.

Another soldier from the Ephrata National Guard group talked about what a nice pick-me-up the treats were and said soldiers share candy with the children they encounter to smooth relations.

Harder hopes kids have a fun Halloween evening.

"Have a great time," he said.