Perplexed what to do with that ridiculous amount of candy amassed from Fall Festivals and trick-or-treating? It's Ashley from Just Reed here to let you know what I plan to do with most of our candy.
DISCLAIMER: I *may* be tempted to keep the Reeses!
I for one don't often give out candy as a classroom reward. So putting it in the treat jar isn't really an option for me Plus, I know lots of parents who aren't crazy about sugaring their kiddos all up! I came across something that made me SMILE! Introducing, OPERATION GRATITUDE!
What is it
Operation Gratitude is a military care package program. For Halloween, they partner with dentists to buy back Halloween candy and donate it to the troops in the form of care packages.
Guidelines for Sending Candy
Please separate chocolate candy from all other candy and send it in separate cartons, marked “Chocolate” or “Non-Chocolate.” Sorry, but they cannot send Pixie Stix in their care packages; please remove them before donating your candy.
They also encourage donations of dental hygiene products such as:
~ Commercially-sealed Lip Balm
~ Toothpaste & Toothbrushes ~ Dental Floss
~ Mouthwash (Travel-size)
They want to keep the smiles on the troops’ faces all shiny, bright and healthy!
~ Commercially-sealed Lip Balm
~ Toothpaste & Toothbrushes ~ Dental Floss
~ Mouthwash (Travel-size)
They want to keep the smiles on the troops’ faces all shiny, bright and healthy!
Other Helpful Info
You're encouraged to send letters to the troops to be included in your care package.
Please ship or deliver your candy donations by mid-November 2015 to:
Operation Gratitude/California Army National Guard Attn: Angel Cuevas / Halloween Candy 17330 Victory Boulevard Van Nuys, CA 91406
Phone: Angel Cuevas: 262-674-7281 (262-OPGRAT-1)
Operation Gratitude/California Army National Guard Attn: Angel Cuevas / Halloween Candy 17330 Victory Boulevard Van Nuys, CA 91406
Phone: Angel Cuevas: 262-674-7281 (262-OPGRAT-1)
Additional Shipping Information can be found HERE.
You can complete the donor form found HERE to include with your shipment!
Parent Information & Student Letter Template
I typed up a handy parent letter you can send home with your students if you choose for your class to participate in this worthwhile program! I've also included two different letter templates--one for primary and one for elementary! Click below to grab them!
Be sure to pin this post or share it so other classrooms and families around the country can participate in
OPERATION GRATITUDE!
