A Sweet Way to Say Thanks to Our Troops – Donate Your Leftover Halloween Candy

If you’re anything like me, you face the same problem every year after Halloween… you’re left with tons of extra candy.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying it yourself. But what if there was something else you could to do with it this year?

It’s something that may not satisfy your sweet tooth. But it will definitely satisfy your soul.

There is an organization I’d like you to know about based in Chatsworth, California. It’s called Operation Gratitude.

This organization brings smiles to the faces of U.S. service men and women stationed around the world. One of the ways is by collecting donations of leftover Halloween candy.

They ship this candy to those same men and women who lay their lives on the line to keep us safe.

Visit the Operation Gratitude website if you’d like to donate leftover Halloween candy. They have information on how to find your nearest donation center.

Appreciating Those Who Serve

Sending leftover Halloween candy to U.S. troops around the world is not the only way Operation Gratitude says “Thank you to all who serve.”

Other ways to contribute to their worthy cause include sending Beanie Babies and other small plush toys to them. Or by making crocheted scarves and paracord survival bracelets. They include those items in care packages they distribute.

Even if you’re unable to support Operation Gratitude this year, you could always name them as your charity of choice if you shop at Amazon Smile.

You can also check out the Operation Gratitude Facebook page to stay updated on their efforts.

200,000 Care Packages a Year

Every year, Operation Gratitude sends more than 200,000 care packages.

Each package is filled with food, entertainment, hygiene and hand-made items. As well as personal letters of support.

They go to veterans, first responders, new recruits, wounded heroes or their caregivers. They are also given individually to named U.S. service members deployed overseas.

The troops certainly appreciate the packages.

Words of Thanks from the Troops

Here are a few of their comments:

“Thank you for what you do and all that you have done for all of us overseas away from our families and friends.” – J.R., USMC

“My unit received care packages from you and we are all extremely grateful for the thoughts and efforts that go into putting these packages together. It means so much to us knowing there are those in our great country who still remember we deploy around the world.” – SFC RP

“We really appreciated all the care packages. The soldiers in the platoon really loved reading the letters from the children and their drawings. The stuffed animals were delightful, and all the snacks and goodies were cheerfully devoured. Thanks a lot for making our day and providing a morale boost to the hard-working soldiers.” – SSG RK

“Just wanted to pass along my thanks for the care package I received this week from you guys. It’s nice to realize that folks still do care. Thanks a ton!” – 1LT M.M.

It’s great to see organizations such as Operation Gratitude spending their time making our troops feel as much at home as possible. Regardless of where they are stationed around the world.