Do you have more Halloween candy than you know what to do with? Wondering where to donate candy once everyone has already combed through the treat bags and claimed their favorite sweets? Fear not: Kidlist has you covered! Once your kids come down from their Halloween sugar high, we are here to help you find a worthy cause for that excess candy in your house.
While there are fewer candy buy-back programs than there used to be, we still found a few places coordinating Halloween candy donation drives in 2023. Local programs are collecting candy for veterans, to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities, and for active duty troops. This is a great way to share with your kids the idea of giving back!
Where to Donate Candy
Frankfort Park District Bite-Size Candy Drive for Veterans Home Residents
Bite-size candy is the most-requested treat by residents of the Veterans Home in Manteno, so the Frankfort Park District is collecting it!
Bring your leftover candy to be donated to the retired veterans to the Frankfort Park District’s Founders Community Center at 140 Oak Street by November 2, 2023.
Westchester Park District Candy Drive for Ronald McDonald House Charities
The Westchester Park District is collecting leftover Halloween candy, as well as other candy and snacks, to help families with severely ill children through Ronald McDonald House Charities.
You can drop off donations October 1 through November 17, 2023 at the Westchester Park District Community Center at 10201 Bond Street or the Mayfair Recreation Center at 10835 Wakefield Avenue.
Jackson Family Dentistry Candy Drive for Operation Support Our Troops
Jackson Family Dentistry is partnering with Operation Support Our Troops – America to deliver candy to members of the armed forces. Drop off extra your extra candy in a colorful box at their entryway during regular office hours, now through the end of the work day on Thursday, November 9, 2023.
The office is located at 2033 West Ogden Avenue in Downers Grove.
Westchester Food Pantry
Westchester Food Pantry is accepting candy at all of their donation sites, which you can find on their website. Please bag all the candy together before you drop it off.
Toys for Tots
Chicagoland Motorcycle Parade Toys for Tots gives out candy at events throughout December. They collect and look through the candy thoroughly before giving it away. You can drop it off at 309 Newberry St. in La Grange Park now through December 2, 2023.
Other Options for Candy Donation
You can also check with your local food pantry, American Legion post, or other local charitable organizations to see if they are collecting candy. Kidlist readers have mentioned that the St. Cletus Food Pantry has a drop-off bin accepting candy, as well as that the American Legion on La Grange Road in La Grange is collecting candy for the troops.
Looking for some Halloween fun for the whole family? Check out our Kid-Friendly Halloween Guide!
