萬圣節過后，孩子們手里的糖果將去向何處？不如按一磅一美元的價格賣給牙醫吧。美國一個名為“萬圣節糖果回購”的項目每年都會在萬圣節后向孩子們回收糖果，之后作為節日特別包裹寄送給美國駐在海外的部隊。今年的回購活動中，華盛頓特區的一家牙醫診所除了現金購買孩子們手中的糖果，還對前100名出售糖果的孩子提供一個特別的、會發光的牙刷。

?And as part of the nationwide "Halloween Candy Buy-Back" program, the candy is donated to Operation Gratitude for its holiday care packages for U.S. military members overseas.

Simply asking a child for her candy the day after Halloween would probably elicit nothing more than laughter.

But what if in the true American way, the child was offered cash and a really cool toothbrush?

All right, perhaps the toothbrush isn't as much of an incentive, but there's cash.

And as part of the nationwide "Halloween Candy Buy-Back" program, the candy is donated to Operation Gratitude for its holiday care packages for U.S. military members overseas.

This year, about two dozen dentists in the D.C. region are taking part in the program on Nov. 1, including Fairlington Dental in Arlington.

Dawn Patrick, practice administrator, says this will be their third year taking part in the buyback program.

Fairlington Dental will buy back candy at $1 a pound, and in exchange the first 100 kids will receive a special, light-up toothbrush.

Patrick says they take part because "it's just the fun of seeing the kids all excited, and giving the candy back. We know they've eaten some it."

"It's fun to see the kids come in and how excited they are to sell their candy and collect their money," Patrick says.

Contrary to popular belief, Halloween candy is not anathema to dentists, she says.

"You can eat pretty much whatever you like, as long as you brush," Patrick says.

Sterling dentist Dr. Shreyesh Ruparelia, who will be taking part for his third year, writes in his blog that last year his practice -- Cascades Center for Dental Health -- sent more than 600 pounds of candy overseas through Operation Gratitude.

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(Agencies)

（中國日報網英語點津 Helen ）