SOUTHERN COLORADO -- Many dentist offices are participating in this year's Halloween Candy Buy Back event, meaning you can turn in your son or daughter's candy for cash.

Dentist offices such as Simply Kids Dental and and the Couchman Center for Cosmetic Dentistry are offering $1 for every pound of wrapped Halloween candy.

The program not only keeps kids health and cavity-free, it also helps troops overseas.

"We always have way too much left over candy," Leslie Couch, who brought her children to drop off candy at Simply Kids Dental, said. "It's nice to give that candy where it's going to be appreciated."

Dentists participating in the program give the collected candy to Operation Gratitude, which uses it in care packages sent to deployed military members.

Laura Johnson, a dental assistant at the Couchman Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, is married to a soldier who recently returned from overseas. She said it is great to see the community serve those who serve their country.

"The buzz they get when they recieve those care packages is amazing," she said. "My husband says it is just a mad rush when their names are being called out."

Last year, Operation Gratitude shipped 125 tons of candy overseas. This year they have a new challenge: to collect 100,000 toothbrush/toothpaste sets to ship with the candy.

Dr. Sean Vostatek of Simply Kids Dental said their location has participated in the program for three years and collects about 30 to 40 pounds each year.

"This year, we hope to double that amount to at least 80 pounds," Vostatek said, adding it is a good way to reduce a child's sugar intake.

Most dentists accept the candy for a full week after Halloween, but some will only accept as late as Wednesday, Nov. 2.

There are 16 offices in southern Colorado that will accept the candy, according to the buyback website. To see the closest one to you, click here and enter your zip code in the upper right box of the pop-up window.