Several military organizations and non-profits accept candy donations to support troops and their families. After Halloween, donating excess candy is a great way to share with the community, and lessen the temptation for endless candy snacking in your home. Here are a few military and veteran organizations that typically accept candy donations:
1. Soldiers’ Angels – Treats for Troops
- About: Soldiers’ Angels runs the Treats for Troops program, which collects candy to send care packages to deployed service members and distribute it to veterans in VA hospitals. Schools, businesses, and individuals can participate.
- How to Donate: You can mail candy directly to Soldiers’ Angels, or find a participating candy collection site near you on their website.
- Website: Soldiers’ Angels – Treats for Troops
2. Operation Gratitude – Halloween Candy Give-Back Program
- About: Operation Gratitude collects candy for their Halloween Candy Give-Back Program, which sends sweet treats to deployed troops, veterans, and first responders. They encourage schools, dentist offices, and community groups to participate by hosting candy drives. In 2024, the program is on hold, but may resume collection in the future.
- How to Donate: You can register as a donor on their website, mail candy, or drop it off at a collection site.
- Website: Operation Gratitude – Halloween Candy Give-Back Program
3. Support Our Troops – Halloween Candy Collection
- About: Support Our Troops is a charity that sends care packages, including candy, to deployed service members. Donated candy can be included in these packages to give troops a taste of home.
- How to Donate: Check the Support Our Troops website for details on how to send candy donations.
- Website: Support Our Troops
4. Operation Shoebox
- About: Operation Shoebox sends care packages to troops overseas and welcomes candy donations. They include candy in care packages as a treat for soldiers and to share with local communities they serve.
- How to Donate: You can mail your candy donations directly to Operation Shoebox.
- Website: Operation Shoebox
5. Freedom Alliance
- About: Freedom Alliance is an organization dedicated to supporting military families and veterans. They sometimes collect Halloween candy as part of their care package initiatives.
- How to Donate: Check their website for any special candy collection drives or reach out to find out how to donate.
- Website: Freedom Alliance
6 .Operation Care and Comfort
- About: This non-profit organization provides care packages to deployed military personnel. They welcome donations of candy, which they include in holiday and general care packages.
- How to Donate: Check their website for current candy drives and details on mailing donations.
- Website: Operation Care and Comfort
Tips for Donating Candy:
- Individually Wrapped Candy: Most organizations request individually wrapped candy for hygiene and safety reasons.
- Avoid Chocolate in Some Cases: Some organizations suggest avoiding chocolate during warm months due to melting during shipping.
- Contact Before Donating: Always check the organization’s website or contact them to confirm their current needs and donation guidelines.
Stay Local
If you are military connected family, chances are you are near or on a military base. Consider sharing candy bags with single military members who are on the base – this may be their first Halloween from home. Share candy with units or offices by donating to your military members unit or reaching out to the family advocacy offices at the local base if candy would be useful. Don’t forget other first responders like the local fire station or paramedics – they enjoy a little sweet treat now and then too after their long shifts.
By donating candy to these organizations, you can spread some Halloween cheer to the military community.
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