As an American, chances are you’ve grown used to the sense of community Halloween can instill in each of us every year. Through the generations, we’ve forged this holiday, with its roots in ancient Europe, into something distinctly American.
It’s a tradition that resonates with most of us, even if we’re not on U.S. soil come Oct. 31.
This year, U.S. residents will spend a record $8.4 billion on Halloween. Two and a half billion dollars of that will be on candy. Consider donating some of those Halloween treats to our troops.
Perhaps you’ll have candy left over as the hordes of children finish scouring your neighborhood. Maybe your own kids will have collected more than they need. No matter the reason, sending treats is a good way to give our deployed a taste of home.
And it’s a better than watching your waistline expand or having to make more trips to the dentist.
Troops can eat the candy themselves or pass it out to children in the areas they’re deployed in.
Dozens of groups have organized around these efforts, although each has a slightly different take on sending packages. Some have limits on package sizes. Others have restrictions on types of candy. In most cases, donating is tax deductible. You’ll want to find a group that works well with what you want to send. Below is a list of a few to get you off to a good start.
Soldiers’ Angels has sent more than 800,000 care packages. The group also helps with wounded soldiers and military families.
Operation Gratitude was established in 2003, this group sends 200,000 care packages out each year. It also has opportunities to volunteer.
Operation Stars and Stripes has been around since 2001 and has sent more than 100,000 packages to troops overseas.
Operation Shoebox was founded by military mom Mary Harper in 2003.
Happy Halloween!
