Suncoast Pasco News
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Dentist Collecting Candy For Troops
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Published: November 12, 2008
NEW PORT RICHEY - Even for those with the most robust sweet tooth, this is just about the time when that pile of candy that looked like plundered treasure on Halloween night is starting to seem like a chocolate-covered albatross you can't make disappear.
A dentist, of all people, will be happy to take it off your hands.
Dr. Lyndsay McCaslin, who tends to teeth at Shelton, Thompson and VanSick Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, 5636 Grand Blvd, is calling on anyone who has leftover Halloween candy to bring it to the office through Nov. 20 and donate it to her new "Treats for our Troops" campaign.
"Who doesn't have leftover Halloween Candy that they're ready to get rid of?" McCaslin said. I know I do."
McCaslin plans on shipping the candy to military personnel serving in Iraq, and hopes to get it there in time for Thanksgiving.
"We have a contact who's serving overseas," she said, adding the plan is to ship the candy to him and have it distributed from there.
Since coming to New Port Richey in 2006, McCaslin has been active in the community. She is secretary of the West Pasco Dental Society, a member of the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce and its Young Professionals Group, a mentor for the Pasco Education Foundation's Take Stock in Children program and a Seven Springs Rotarian. She donates her time once a month providing free dentistry to those in need through the Good Samaritan Clinic.
While there have been several programs with similar names since the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq began, McCaslin's "Treats for the Troops" is her own undertaking, inspired by her cousin's experience serving in Iraq.
"I know through his stories how important it is to be spoiled while serving overseas," McCaslin said.
While the original idea was to collect donations of leftover Halloween candy, if anyone goes out and buys candy just to donate, McCaslin will happily accept that, too.
The candy will be shipped in individual gift packets, McCaslin said. Those who make donations can fill out greeting cards that will give the packets more of a holiday flavor.
Of course, McCaslin being a dentist, the gift packets will also include toothbrushes and other oral hygiene items.
The goal is to bring smiles to the troops' faces - healthy smiles, that is.
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