Half the fun of trick-or-treating is the ritual itself: dressing up, walking door-to-door in the friendly dark of early Autumn, and gathering a wide variety of treats. If you want your child to enjoy all of that, without all the extra sugar, then candy buybacks are for you! (And no, we’re not talking about Mom and Dad doing the buying.) Local dentists hold annual buyback events that redirect the candy flow to populations in need of dense calories, or just some extra sweetness in their lives. Let your child choose a handful of favorites, then bring in the rest for cash and prizes! Read on for details.
Aspire Dental
At this 7th annual buyback, kids and parents will get $1 for every pound of candy they bring in to Aspire’s offices in downtown Portland. Kids will also get a prize bag, and a chance to win a prize package for their school. Candy will be donated to deployed military troops and the Junior League of Portland’s Gingerbread Jamboree, which features gingerbread house decorating.
Don’t miss Clackamas Smiles’ annual “Treats for Troops” candy buyback! On one day only, the first 70 kids (ages 12 and under) will receive a gift card for a free kid’s meal at Chick-fil-A Clackamas Promenade, plus $1 per pound of candy, up to three pounds. Collected candy will be put into care packages and sent to deployed service members.
Nov. 4, 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. 10001 SE Sunnyside Rd., Suite 250 Clackamas, OR 503-974-3186 Online:clackamassmiles.com
Hollywood Children’s Dentistry
At Hollywood Children’s Dentistry, you and your child can earn $1 per pound of trick-or-treat loot (no limit!) during their annual candy buyback event. Once again, candy donations support Camp Courage, which makes and sends care packages for overseas troops. Drop by Nov 1st, 2nd or 4th.
Nov. 1, 8 a.m.- 1 p.m.; Nov. 2 & 4, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 3839 NE Tillamook St. 503-288-5891 Online:hcdpdx.com
World of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry
World of Smiles does their Candy Buy Back a little differently. Head to the West side (the North Portland location is no longer open) and swap your candy for a special prize. Head in with your little goblins any time between Nov. 1st- 10th.
Nov. 1-10, during normal business hours 11790 SW Barnes Rd., Suite 280 503-626-9700 Online:visitworldofsmiles.com
Portland Children’s Dentistry
Bring unopened candy to either of Portland Children’s Dentistry’s two locations to receive a prize, with all candy donated to the Friendly House. Each location runs their buyback on different dates, so be sure to check the details below for the event closest to you.