Larissa Hamblin
Now that Halloween is officially behind us, it’s time to put away the costumes, witches brooms, and well, the candy. After every Halloween, kitchen cabinets get stuffed with the candy collected from trick-or-treating and, although kids love to enjoy the goodies, having a year’s supply of chocolate will just cause a lot of cavities. If you and your family have too much candy in your house, there are many organizations and nonprofits that welcome the sweets to brighten up someone else’s day.
Donate To Halloween Candy to Troops Overseas
The Soldiers’ Angels Treats for Troops Program is collecting candy from cities across the United States. The donated sweets will be shipped to deployed service members worldwide and distributed to veterans in VA hospitals across the country to spread a little holiday joy. The organization’s goal this year is to collect 17,000 pounds of candy. To find a drop-off location near you, visit the Soldiers’ Angels website and search your zip code to find the closest business that is collecting donations. There are several options listed in both Dr. Phillips and Winter Park.
Similarly, Operation Gratitude is hosting a collection of Halloween candy to put in care packages that will be sent to troops around the world. You can sign up on their website to become part of their drive, and you can also search on their map for the nearest drop-off location to you. Not only are they collecting candy but also thank you letters, travel toothpaste, toothbrushes, pens and mechanical pencils.
Find a Dentist Office That Has a Candy Buy-Back Program
At select dentist offices around the nation, children can trade in their candy and, in return, get special prizes, coupons and even money, depending on the practice. This trade program encourages kids to stay away from overloading on sugar and helps them to avoid cavities. The candy collected by the businesses is often donated, sometimes to troops overseas. Call your dentist to find out whether they join in the fun or search the national Halloween Candy Buy Back website to find a participating dental office close to home.
Give to Local Nonprofits
Bring your extra treats to kids who didn’t get to have a traditional Halloween this year at the Ronald McDonald House of Central Florida. There are three houses in the Central Florida area, and your donation would put a big smile on the face of sick children and their families who are going through so much. Also in Orlando, Give Kids the World Village is accepting donations of Halloween candy to give to their children. No amount is too small for the little ones who need a little sweetness in their lives. Volunteering at these organizations is also welcome, so not only can it be a bonding experience for the whole family but a great way to give back in more ways than one to your community.
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