A Newton chiropractor is kicking off the giving season early this year by collecting leftover Halloween candy for troops overseas.     

Dr. David Oliver, of Newton Wellness Center in Newton Centre's Piccadilly Square, will be taking candy donations on the days following Halloween.

"Kids have so much excess candy around this time of year, why not do something good with it?" Oliver said.

Oliver said he got the idea to collect candy for troops because of a family friend who is serving in Afghanistan.

"Candy is one of the biggest things they ask for, surprisingly," Oliver said. Oliver, who has practiced in Newton for one year, said that he thinks it is important to keep giving to the troops to let them know that people back home haven't forgotten about them.

With the 10-year Afghan war anniversary come and gone, support for troops "fizzles out quickly," Oliver said.

He also said that giving excess candy is a healthier choice for kids in the community.

"I don't want kids to think I am against Halloween or eating candy," he said, smiling. "This is just a way all of us can cut down on sugar while helping someone else out."

Dr. Oliver will be collecting candy, as well as magazines and toiletries and sending the donations to Operation Shoebox, who will distribute the gifts overseas.

Donation times will be Thurs., November 1 from 7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. and Fri., November 2 from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the Newton Wellness Center.