Kool Smiles collected 40lbs of candy for U.S. Troops

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Kool Smiles recently just finished its "Operation Troop Treats" week.

This was an opportunity for kids in the community to donate candy for U.S. troops around the world who were not able to celebrate Halloween this year.

Dentist, Dr. Tara Pursley said, "’Operation Troop Treats’ was a great success this year. We collected almost 40lbs of candy and it was just great to see the kids participate in the community. We had kids who participated last year and they were looking forward to doing the same thing this year. They kept asking 'when do we get to bring our candy?' When they brought it, they got magic tricks and teddy bears. It was good to see the smiles on their faces."

Pursley said Merchants Co. also donated candy and she appreciates the support from the community.

As a whole, Kool Smiles nationwide collected eight tons of candy in the last five years for troops.