For most kids, there’s no such thing as too much candy or too many sweets. But adults will probably want to prevent their little goblins from ingesting that big bucket of sugar for months on end.
Not to worry: There are organizations that will gladly accept your excess Halloween candy donations — for a good cause!
Matthew 25 Ministries
This Cincinnati organization accepts candy donations to create special experiences for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Sweets can either be dropped off in person or mailed. Learn more about donating and the many other products they accept.
Local Dentists
Many pediatric dentists, like Sea of Smiles and Centerville Pediatric Dentistry, will do candy exchanges during the weeks after Halloween. The dentist offices will often “buy” back from kids, in exchange for non-sweet treats or cash, and either get rid of the candy or donate it to charities. Contact your local pediatric or family dentist to see if they’ll be participating in an exchange this year.
Ronald McDonald House Charities
The Ronald McDonald House helps keep severely ill kids and their parents together during treatment. Many locations accept donations of unopened candy for the families they’re helping after Halloween. To find out where to send donations, visit Ronald McDonald House Charities Dayton or Ronald McDonald House of Cincinnati.
Operation Gratitude
This organization honors the service of military and first responders by creating opportunities to express gratitude. Halloween time is the only time that Operation Gratitude accepts candy donations. Find out more about their Halloween Candy Give-Back program.
Operation Shoebox
Operation Shoebox sends a bag of treats inside every care package they send to service members deployed across the world. They accept any and all kinds of candy, and it can be sent at any time of the year.
Soldiers’ Angels Treats for Troops
This is a Halloween sweets collection program that sends treats to deployed service members and veterans. Many businesses partner with Soldiers’ Angels to collect candy to ship in bulk, but if you’re interested in shipping your candy directly to the Soldiers’ Angels Headquarters, visit here for the address where you can send it.
More Candy Options
Other options for all that excess sugar include calling the local homeless shelter, food pantry, or nursing home to see if they accept Halloween candy. You could also save it to stuff a birthday pinata, or take it to the office and leave it in the office kitchen.
