If you’re looking to donate Halloween candy, there are several reliable options that typically run each year, with some regional variations. Here are common avenues and how to use them: What to donate

• Unopened, individually wrapped candy is usually required.
• Some programs also accept sealed bags of mixed candy; check for any restrictions at the drop-off site.

National and local options you’ll commonly find

• Soldiers’ Angels Treats for Troops: Accepts candy for packaging to deployed service members and veterans. They often publish a map of drop-off locations and end dates after Halloween. Look for a local collection site or corporate/organization drop-off near you and note any turn-in deadlines.
• Operation Shoebox and comparable troops-care groups: Accept candy to include in care packages mailed to troops. They often provide a specific mailing address and guidelines on what to include and how to ship.
• Troop-based buyback programs: Many dental offices or local businesses run candy buyback events, where kids can trade their candy for small rewards, with the collected candy donated to troops or charities afterward.
• Ronald McDonald House Charities: Some chapters accept Halloween candy donations or encourage mailing in donations; availability varies by location.
• Local food banks, shelters, and community centers: Even if they don’t run a formal candy drive, many accept candy as part of holiday nonperishable food outreach for families in need or senior centers.

How to proceed

• Start locally: Search for “Halloween candy donation drop-off near me” or “Treats for Troops drop-off [your city/ZIP]” to find nearby sites and deadlines.
• Check deadlines: Many programs require drop-offs by the end of October or early November, with mailing deadlines set a few weeks after Halloween.
• Confirm requirements: Some programs only accept unopened candy; others may require bags or specific packaging. If a location isn’t clear, call ahead or check their official pages.
• Consider alternatives: If you can’t find a candy-specific drive, you can donate to your local food bank or shelter, or mail candy to a recognized charity that accepts care-package ingredients for troops or veterans.

If you’d like, share your city or ZIP code and I can narrow down the most current, nearby options and their drop-off windows.