Got a Halloween candy hangover? On November 1, most parents are left wondering how they're going to get rid of all the candy their kids brought home. While you could technically keep the extra candy for filling Christmas stockings or even Easter baskets (hey, it's only 6 months away, don't judge), a great way to skip out on those future sugar crashes is to donate it— some or all— to a good cause. Check out these feel-good ways to get your leftover (pre-packaged, unopened) Halloween candy out of the house and into the hands of people whose days could be made sweeter.
1. Halloween Candy Buy Back Programs
Some local dental offices are participating in Halloween Candy Buy Back programs where candy is donated in exchange for coupons or other goods and sent to veterans' organizations. Here are a few participating drop-off locations in the St. Petersburg area:
Bring in your candy to Dr. Staves's office and receive a goody bag with a Culvers gift card. Donations will be sent to Operation Gratitude. Drop-off days are November 1, 5 and 6 from 8am to 4pm. 5310 4th St. N, St. Petersburg
For each pound of wrapped candy, Klement Family Dental will give you $1 (up to five pounds). Candy will be donated to American troops overseas. Drop-off days are November 1 and 2 from 3pm to 6pm and November 3 from 9 am to 1pm. 7650 38th Ave N, St. Petersburg
Exchange your candy for cash at any Monticciolo Family & Sedation Dentistry's six locations. The business will be buying back candy to send to troops via Operation Gratitude for $1 per pound. Drop-off days are November 1 and 2 from 1pm to 5pm. 4850 1st Ave. N, St. Petersburg
2. Operation Shoebox
Operation Shoebox is ready to receive your candy donations — they distribute candy on Halloween, Christmas and Easter to troops that are missing the festivities while away from home. Collect bags of individually wrapped candies; heat-resistant candy is best in warm seasons. Mail your candy donation to:
Operation Shoebox
8360 East Highway 25
Belleview, FL 34420
3. Ronald McDonald House Charities
The Ronald McDonald House helps keep severely ill kids and their parents together during treatment. Since families staying here can't trick-or-treat with their little ones, our local Tampa Bay chapter gladly accepts any unwrapped candy donations dropped off directly to the front desk. 401 7th Ave. S, St. Petersburg
Finally, don't forget about local food banks, homeless shelters, or retirement or nursing homes. Many take donations of unopened candy for residents and guests. It's worth calling to find out if they accept treats, which your kids can deliver with a note and a non-cavity-filled smile.
Comentários