Military groups like Operation Gratitude are collecting Halloween candy this year from dentist’s offices in Sarasota and sending it to U.S. Military troops stationed overseas. American Family Dental of Lakewood Ranch is one local office registered as part of the Halloween candy buy- back program. Dr Ji Jackson explains how the program works locally.

"We want the kids to donate their candy and we will give them cash for it for Operation Gratitude. So we can send the candy to the troops overseas."

O’Leary Orthodontics in Port Charlotte is also collecting candy. Each office will give kids a dollar per pound of candy. For the full list of participating dentists, go on line to Halloween candy buy back dot com.