Do you have a sugar hangover from munching on those bite sized sweets while handing out candy to trick-or-treaters? Or, did your kiddos come home with a pillowcase full of candy and now you’re wondering how to get rid of at least half that haul before it rots their teeth? There are a number of options when it comes to getting rid of Halloween candy, from using it for crafts to giving it away as gifts, or putting it into a giant bowl in the living room for all to snack on. But, have you ever thought about donating it? What a sweet way to help others! Here are a few simple ways to rid Halloween treats, while doing some good.
Drop-off Treats for Local Troops at Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota
Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota has teamed up with Soldiers’ Angels Treats for Troops to collect and distribute Halloween candy to local troops. Now through November 5, Goodwill will be collecting your sweet treats at each of their locations. Just look for the bin near the front of the store and toss it all in – easy peasy! After November 5, Goodwill will take the candy to the St. Paul Vet Center to be distributed to local servicemembers. Find your local Goodwill and learn more HERE.
GIVE-Back to Deployed Troops with Operation Gratitude
As the wife of an Army Reservist, who has been deployed to Afghanistan twice, I can tell you that one of the best ways to get rid of it is to donate it to those serving our country. We know first-hand how special it is for a deployed soldier to receive a care package like the ones from Operation Gratitude. Annually, Operation Gratitude sends over 200,000 care packages with the collected sweet treats to deployed troops and first responders all over the world. Find an Operation Gratitude Halloween Candy GIVE-Back location near you by clicking HERE.
Trick, Treat and Trade with Halloween Candy Buyback
Why not exchange those sweets for treats that fill the piggy bank! Click HERE to find a participating local business in Plymouth, Golden Valley and St. Louis Park, that will exchange candy for toothbrushes, coupons, and even cash! They will then take all the candy and pack it up for troops deployed overseas. Before you head in, check with the business to see if they have any specifics on the amount of candy you can exchange, special hours or other requirements.
Finally, check with your local dentist or pediatric clinic to see if they are collecting candy this year. Many do and will donate it to various organizations that ship care packages to military servicemembers. It’s also worth checking with local soup kitchens, homeless shelters, or even retirement and nursing homes, to see if they accept candy donations for residents and guests. No matter what you decide, donating candy gives you, and your little ones: fewer sugar crashes, lower risk of getting cavities and warms your heart as you help others. Now that’s something to smile about.
