Mendham Dental Office Sending Halloween Treats to Americans Serving Overseas

MENDHAM, N.J. - Nov. 20, 2015 - PRLog -- A taste of Halloween is on its way to U.S. servicemen and servicewomen, thanks to the dentists and staff at Jockey Hollow Dentistry LLC and Operation Jersey Cares.

     It’s the sixth year that the family-oriented dental office has purchased candy from area trick-or-treaters. Dr. M. Corey Johnson and Dr. Karen Fenichel say the program reduces the amount of candy kids consume and allows the troops to enjoy a bit of Halloween themselves while they share some of the goodies with children they see in the course of their duties

     “Halloween means lots of candy all at once,” said Dr. Fenichel. “Children don’t need to eat all the sweets they bring home. Not eating all that candy will prevent a lot of cavities, and sending it to our heroes overseas will give our troops something to enjoy.”

     The team at Jockey Hollow Dentistry filled 27 boxes with candy, totaling about about 1,000 pounds. Operation Jersey Cares, a Somerville-based group of veterans and others who support American military personnel, picked up the candy. Members will repackage the treats and send them overseas. Over the past six years, the practice has sent more than a ton and half of candy to American servicepeople.

     “It’s feels good to do something for those serving our country and for our younger patients,” added Dr. Johnson.

     Trick-or-treaters were invited to bring up to eight pounds of candy to Jockey Hollow Dentistry and sell it to Dr. Johnson and Dr. Fenichel for a $1 a pound. Children had to be 16 years old or younger and accompanied by an adult.

     Dr. Fenichel said she became involved with the candy buy-back program six years ago because many of the families at Jockey Hollow Dentistry have members serving in the military.

     “Jockey Hollow Dentistry is a family-oriented practice and we develop close relationships with our patients,” she said. “Some of them have children in the service. I know several young men and women who are serving their country and I think of them as we’re doing this. It’s a small gesture to send a little taste of this fun-oriented holiday to them.”

     Dr. Fenichel said the candy serves two other purposes.

     “I’m told the troops love getting the candy,” she said. “Packages like these are great reminders from home that we’re thinking of them and that we appreciate everything they’re doing.

     “I also understand that the troops enjoy some of the candy, but they also give some of it to the children in the villages where winning hearts is as important as winning military victories,” she added.

     Dr. Fenichel says she’s not worried about contributing to dental problems in combat zones.

     “A lot of people ask us about that,” she acknowledged. “Service members are older and their teeth are better developed, so they’re not as susceptible to cavities as young children are. In addition, they understand the need to rinse, brush and floss after eating the sweets.”

     Jockey Hollow Dentistry (http://www.jockeyhollowdentistry.com/) LLC is a general dentistry practice in Mendham, N.J., that welcomes patients of all ages. More information is available at www.jockeyhollowdentistry.com or by calling (973) 543-4828.

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