By Kristy Lawton
Got Halloween candy hangover? Here are some places to donate and share the extra sweetness!
November 4th is National Candy Day! And thanks to Halloween just days earlier, most of us have a wide selection of choices to indulge in. But let's be honest, because of our childrens' endless energy and determination to collect All.The.Candy, or our overestimation (whether intentional or not) on how many trick-or-treaters would be visting our homes, at this point, we are all pretty much drowning in chocolate, lollipops, and all things sticky and sweet. So what can we do with all of this extra candy overflowing from our childrens' orange, plastic pumpkins? Here are some ideas and organizations looking to take some sweets off your hands.
Operation Gratitude https://www.operationgratitude.com/halloween-candy-give-back-program/
Operation Gratitude's Halloween Candy Give Back Program provides an opportunity to give back by collecting excess Halloween candy and distributing it among military, veteran, and first responder heroes. Operation Gratitude has volunteers in all 50 states that help to share thousands of pounds of candy yearly. The candy is either sent via care packages to deployed troops, or there is an option to directly deliver the candy to those who serve your community. You can visit Operation Gratitude's website to register and get matched with a local military unit, first responder department, or veteran organization.
Treats for Troops https://soldiersangels.org/treats-for-troops/
Similar to Operation Gratitude, but smaller in scale, is Soldiers' Angels Treats for Troops program that collects Halloween candy at local businesses to send to deployed service members and veterans. Their website includes a search feature to find businesses in your area that are participating in the candy collection. Kids can even have the opportunity to earn buy-back prizes for their generosity, and a tax-deductible receipt will be given for your donation. If there are no collection sites local to you, you may also ship your candy directly to:
Soldiers' Angels Treats for Troops
2895 NE Loop 410, Suite 107
San Antonio, TX 78218
Halloween Candy Buyback http://www.halloweencandybuyback.com/
The Halloween Candy Buyback program is one traditionally held at dental offices, where in exchange for candy, kids are provided with new toothbrushes, toothpaste, or other such dental care products. Some local businesses also now participate in the program and hand out coupons, services, and goods in exchange for candy. Visit their website and input your zipcode to find places in your area that are participating.
Other options include reaching out to your local food pantry, Boys and Girls Club, senior housing, or churches in your area to see if they are interested in candy donations.
However you decide to donate or share your Halloween goodies, the world is that much sweeter with candy and kindness!
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