We have A LOT of leftover candy around our house between Trick or Treat Street on Highland Square, halloween events at the YMCA, the Apex Center, and at the Children's Museum of Denver my kids could eat nothing but candy from now til Christmas and we would still have a lot of sugar hanging around!
I was so happy to read on the Honestbaby blog this morning that there is a great cause that can benefit from all of this excess.I am packing it all up and shipping it to Operation Gratitude. It is sent to men and women serving overseas and primarily used for them to hand out to local children.
From thehonestbaby blog:
You know what else servicemen and women need? Beanie Babies, Troll Dolls, and Webkinz and other small stuffed animals.
Here is what a U.S. Marine Lance Corporal said about Beanie Babies:
œI live with 17 Marines and Sailors in one room. Everyone got a package and everyone loved it especially the cookies and beanie babies. The cookies are excellent and the beanie babies help us out a lot with the local kids. We give them candy and toys and they give us the location for IED's (Improvised Explosion Devices) . Once again, thank you for everything and for all the hard work that you put into the package. LCPL ND
So, I am totally going to take advantage of the opportunity to clear out some of the little toys and stuffed animals that are currently very lonely in the toy corner of our basement, as well as all of the candy. Who knew that it could literally save lives?!
Here's the info if you would like to take part:
To send in candy, Beanie Babies, and letters/cards of support:
Feel free to use any size cartons, whatever you have on hand or can easily find. The ideal size is 24 x 24 x 20 or smaller. Excess Halloween candy can be sent by DECEMBER 3 to:
Operation Gratitude/California Army National Guard
17330 Victory Boulevard
Van Nuys, CA 91406
Charlie Othold: 818.437.6201
As you can imagine, Operation Gratitude sends a lot of packages overseas, and that costs money. It costs about $15 for each package they send overseas. To help defray that cost, you can make a donation to Operation Gratitude
by clicking here. Operation Gratitude is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit, so donations are tax-deductible as provided by law.
According to the
Better Business Bureau's charity review, 98 percent of Operations Gratitude's funds are used for their actual programs. 1 percent is used for administrative purposes, and 1 percent is used for fundraising. Operation Gratitude has no paid staff.
Additional Note:If you're having trouble with Operation Gratitude's online donation page, you can mailFINANCIAL DONATIONS(not candy!) to: Operation Gratitude, 16444 Refugio Way, Encino, CA 91436.
Thanks tostark. raving. mad. mommyfor the info you probably just saved a little bit of my sanity as well as about 10 pounds of leftover candy weight gain
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