Dentist collects candy for troops
BUTLER TWP — Before they reach their petite, reclined chairs, children visiting the dental office of Dr. Stephanie Kobil pass a counter lined with toothpastes, flosses and toothbrushes, followed by a nearly 600-pound pile of candy.
The children are in awe of the candy, which is more than twice the amount collected last year, said Megan Klingensmith, dental hygienist.
The office is collecting unwanted Halloween candy for American troops.
The program is called Operation Gratitude and also includes toiletries, phone cards and CDs.
Klingensmith said the children were not the only ones in shock by this year's numbers.
“I never imagined that we would get this much candy this year,” she said.
Karl Kobil, practice manager and Dr. Kobil's husband, oversees the office's day-to-day operations and its special events. He said the practice has helped the charity for four years.
He said the charity combined with the candy buyback that the office already was doing — where children earned $1 per pound of candy, up to three pounds per visit. Patients still get the money for their donations.
The practice has paid out $75 in buyback money this year.
Stephanie Kobil said she gave up telling children to not eat any candy. She said she even suggests for them to keep the chocolate and send the troops the sticky candy, like taffies.
For children, she considers chocolate the healthier and cleaner option.
“I'm realistic about it,” she said. “Kids aren't gonna give up all the sugar and candy they have.”
While Karl Kobil plans to ship the candy soon, he will miss seeing the children with the candy. He said the candy drive provides a great learning experience about giving.
“We're really happy with how it turned out this year,” he said. “They can see their efforts and how it helps other people.”
