Quaker Ridge Kids Donate 387 Lbs. of Candy to Operation Gratitude

Though taking candy from children is usually frowned upon, teaching kids the value of giving back by donating their excess Halloween candy in support of U.S. Troops and First Responders is a win-win for kids and parents.

This Halloween, the Quaker Ridge School PTA collected and shipped 387lbs of candy to Operation Gratitude for inclusion in Care Packages to U.S. Service Members deployed overseas in harm's way and to First Responders serving here at home. "We were overwhelmed with the amount of donations received. A huge thank you is owed to William DeLuca, at the Heathcote USPS office for helping us safely package and ship such a large order," said Vanessa Siderow, Quaker Ridge School parent and volunteer.

Americans spend an estimated $2.5 billion dollars on a whopping 600 million pounds of Halloween Candy each year. In 2015 alone, 294 tons of that candy was sent to Operation Gratitude for distribution through its Care Package Programs.

"Operation Gratitude has shipped more than 1.6 Million Care Packages that include items such as DVDs, handmade scarves and hygiene products. Halloween candy is a wonderful addition to these packages," says Operation Gratitude's founder, Carolyn Blashek. "The candy is a great morale boost for the troops, and a means to create positive interaction with local children. Equally important is that the Halloween Candy GIVE-Back Program provides every American child the opportunity to learn about service and generosity."

About Operation Gratitude
Operation Gratitude is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, volunteer-based organization that seeks to lift spirits and meet the evolving needs of the U.S. Military and First Responder communities, and provide volunteer opportunities for Americans to express their appreciation to all who serve our nation. To date, Operation Gratitude volunteers have assembled and shipped more than 1.6 million care packages. For more information, click here.