As a way to kick-off National Gratitude Month starting this week, I thought a good way to get started is with ways to donate leftover Halloween candy. It might not be the most obvious way to Do Good, but since our homes will most likely be overflowing with candy this week, I think it’s one of the best ways to encourage kids to part with it! My girls will be donating their candy to their dentist, who is giving $1 for each pound donated. How is that for incentive! Below is a list of ideas, including organizations that collect candy and other ways to give back after the holiday.
- Operation Gratitude: Many dentists participate in this, but if you can’t find a local collection, you can do it yourself. Learn more at www.operationgratitude.com.
- Another candy donation option is through Halloween Candy Buy Back, which donates through Solders’ Angles. Learn more at www.halloweencandybuyback.com.
- Operation Shoebox is having a candy collection, but you can also donate funds towards shoeboxes of goods that are delivered to the troops.
- Ask around at your local businesses to see who is holding a candy collection. For example, the Brothamel Bratton Law Firm in Haddonfield, NJ is a drop-off location through November 7th.
- A church in Ocean City, NJ is collecting candy for college care packages. Learn more here: http://www.stpoc.org/donate-your-leftover-halloween-candy-for-college-care-packages/
- Turn to your local parenting or community guides to learn what you can do with all your candy. DullesMoms.com shares a list of Halloween buy back opportunities in and around Stirling, VA.
- NJ Family Magazine has a list of buy back programs for New Jersey.
- Make your own care packages for our local heroes: police, fire and rescue personnel.
- Inquire at organizations that support homeless children. You and your children can either decorate paper lunch bags of candy or just drop off bags of leftovers to hand out.
- The Ronald McDonald House takes candy donations. Call your local chapter to arrange a drop-off.
