Weight loss coach Emily Countryman gives two reasons for this effort.

One simply is to show our troops how much we care about them. But the other is because she wants to do her part to stop child obesity.

“Every year we go to multiple Halloween parties, trick or treating on Halloween night and enjoy Hometown Halloween in downtown Arlington,” she said of herself and three children. “I love all of these activities, however, what I don’t love is the bags and bags of candy my kids end up with.”

So, while she loves the events, the amount of candy is unnecessary for any child.

“Being a health coach I know that sugar is the number one reason Americans are gaining weight at such a rapid rate, and I am doing my best to stop the cycle,” she said.

She said she lets her kids keep 10 pieces each, and the rest is sent with her husband to work or tossed in the trash.

“One out of three children are now overweight and an easy and fun way to prevent them from consuming the excessive amount of sugar is to engage them in the candy buyback program,” she said.

Kids will be paid $1 a pound. Countryman is hoping to bring in 500 pounds.

“As an added bonus we are helping out all the local dentists by keeping the sugar at bay, and I am sure the local teachers will appreciate the kids not eating so much candy at lunch time,” she added.

Countryman said she was assured by the organization Operation Gratitude that the candy would be well-received by the troops.

“They are not each individually getting the massive amount each child here receives from trick-or treating events,” Countryman said.

She said at the event she will encourage children who donate to write a special letter to the troops as well.

The buybacks will be at Ideal Wellness: Monday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 20218 77th Ave. NE, Arlington; and at Smokey Point, 2730 172nd St. NE., Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 2 to 7 p.m.