Americans purchase nearly 600 million pounds of candy every year just for Halloween. Much of that will be devoured immediately, but most will linger around the house to tempt you for days and weeks to come. Why not save your family the extra calories by donating leftover candy? With a little effort, you can provide great gifts to people in need of encouragement. This is a good way to teach your children kindness and a wonderful way to remove the alluring sugary treats from your home.
Support the Troops:
Participate in The Super Dentists' annual Candy Buy Back! Bring your candy to any Super Dentists' location from Nov. 3-10 to receive $1 for every pound of candy donated. All candy collected will be enjoyed by Active Duty Service Members.
Halloween Candy Buy-Back Event. Bring your unopened candy to any Brain Balance of Greater San Diego Center and receive a special treat in return. Exchange your candy for toys, activities, gift cards and more. While supplies last. Costumes encouraged! Nov. 3-7, 12-6 pm. Brain Balance of Greater San Diego. www.eventbrite.com/e/halloween-candy-buy-back-event-tickets-1825858524999
Carmel Valley Orthodontics. Nov. 3-4, 9 am-5 pm. Participants receive $1 per pound of donated candy and a goodie bag. Participants' school will also receive $1 per pound of candy donated. Limit of 10 pounds. 12395 El Camino Real, #309. www.CarmelValleyOrtho.com
The Great Halloween Buy Back. Nov. 6, 3-6 pm. Bring your unopened candy and cards for our military troops in exchange for $1 per lb of donated candy (5 lb max), a free toothbrush kit, a Dr. Chan chocolate bar and a chance to spin the prize wheel. All donated candy goes to service members. 12835 Pointe Del Mar Way #3. www.curtischandds.com/about-us/how-dr-chan-gives-back/
Davis Pediatric Dentistry. Bring your unopened candy to the 2nd floor lobby and receive $1 per lb of donated candy (up to 5 lbs). All candy will be donated to our military troops and United Service Organizations. Nov. 4, 2-5 pm. 477 North El Camino Real #B203. www.davispediatricdds.com
Operation Shoebox
Individually wrapped (heat resistant) candies are accepted throughout the year to help boost morale overseas. Visit www.operationshoebox.com/how-you-can-help/ to get the mailing address for donations.
Candy for the Troops
Contact the nearest VA Hospital or VFW Chapter
Show appreciation to the veterans who have served our country by donating excess candy to a local VA Hospital or community center.
Support Unsung Heroes:
Local Police and Fire Departments
Give back to those working hard to keep your community safe. Share a few of your Halloween candies to say thank you.
Mail Carriers
Leave a treat for your mail carrier. It will be a nice boost during the busy holiday delivery season.
Teachers and Schools
Take the candy to your kids’ teachers to use as rewards in the classroom or just as a token of appreciation.
Support Those in Need:
Homeless
Contact your local soup kitchen, shelter, food pantry or religious center. Home-cooked meals are always a priority for those in need, but candy will be a luxury they don’t normally get.
Food Baskets
If you’re planning to make dinner or purchase groceries for a family in need this holiday season, throw in some candy for a nice treat.
YWCA
The YWCA is the largest provider of battered women’s shelters and domestic violence services in the country, helping thousands of women and children annually.
Visit YWCA.org to find the nearest location and donate your extra candy to children who may not be able to enjoy the Halloween festivities this year.
Support People in Your Community:
Elderly
Visit a nearby nursing or retirement home or even an elderly neighbor. A goody bag filled with sweet treats will make their day.
Nurses
Show appreciation to the nurses and staff at a local hospital. Share some goodies with those caring for sick members of the community.
It’s never too early to learn the importance of giving back. Start a new tradition this year and have your kids donate a portion of their candy to a good cause. Sharing their wealth of treats will make Halloween that much sweeter.
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Katie Mohr Chingirian is a stay-at-home mom. Katie and her family live in Glendale, CA. These generous ideas helped put two pounds of candy to better use last Halloween.
Updated: October 2025
