Weekend Halloween events, Trunk-or-Treat activities around every corner, PLUS the grand finale of actually going out to trick or treat on Halloween night means you’ve got candy storage issues. Not to mention a fear of what the dentist will be saying at your next check-ups. Not to worry — instead of having the kids toss out their hard-earned loot help them to find some ways they can do some good with it instead!

Where to Donate Halloween Candy

Skip the packing and shipping by dropping off your extra candy close to home. Local businesses and nonprofit collection sites gather it, and some even pay you or offer coupons in return.

Driven2Drive 

Bala Cynwyd, West Chester, Oaks, Horsham, Brookhaven, and Northeast Phila

This local driving school accepts Halloween candy donations. Drop by one of their locations around the Main Line and suburban Philly and unload those extra sweets.

Soldiers’ Angel

This non profit provides a Candy Map with drop-off locations at businesses and organizations around the US. If there is no Treats for Troops collection site near you, they welcome small personal-sized donations of excess candy (10 lbs or less) at their headquarters office in San Antonio. Visit their website for details.

Local Businesses

Keep an eye out when you patronize local businesses in your area for Halloween candy collections. Some may take straight donations, while some offer a “buy back” option where you get money based on how many pieces or how many pounds you bring in. Or you may encounter a business giving a coupon towards your purchase for bringing in your candy.

Alternatively, local businesses may keep a candy bowl for customers. In that case, they may happily help you get rid of your Halloween candy.

Where to Ship Halloween Candy

Operation Shoebox

8360 E. Highway 25, Belleview, Florida, 34420

Visit the FAQ page (linked above) at Operation Shoebox for details about sending packages of holiday candy for U.S. military personnel. Be aware that you must cover all shipping expenses. They ask to be mindful of the heat when sending candy, and to send your donation in plastic zip top bags instead of actual shoeboxes. This group collects during Christmas and Easter, too.

Troopathon

3105 Fite Circle, Suite 108, Sacramento, CA 95827

Through Troopathon, kids and organizations can donate their Halloween candy to U.S. service members deployed far from home. Box or bag it with a note listing your name, email and phone, (so they can thank you), then ship it to their Operations Center. Troopathon accepts candy through December 31.

Other Uses for Halloween Candy

This option takes some willpower, for you and the kids. But if you can manage it, store the candy, then use it the next time you need treats. Some ideas for that Halloween stash:

• Fill the piñata at your next birthday party or block party.
• Add to birthday party goodie bags.
• Give as prizes for an accomplishment (grades, athletic feats, behavior goals, etc.).
• Hand out as treats on a long car ride. Alternatively, if you have a Disney or other amusement park trip planned, dole them out while you wait in long ride lines.
• Use in recipes or other treats. For example, chop candy bars to add to cookies or brownies. Use for ice cream sundae toppings, and (as one reader suggested to us) use to decorate gingerbread houses.

Don’t keep the candy around indefinitely, though — if it’s still around when Daylight Saving Time starts next spring, toss it.

Make the Most of the Halloween Haul

Excess Halloween candy doesn’t have to end up in the trash. Donate it locally, ship it to the troops, or save it for parties, prizes and baking. Whatever you choose, your kids’ hard-earned haul can do some good long after Halloween.