Candy Buy Back Programs & Where to Donate Halloween Candy to a Good Cause

Halloween used to be the time of year when we’d collect as much candy as we could and eat from our stash over the next several months until it ran out. Nowadays, every little holiday or event comes with gifts, toys, and tons of candy! I find myself throwing away accumulated candy in heaps several times a year… Thankfully, somebody came up with the candy buy back! Bring your bags full of candy to a candy buy back location and earn money for turning in your candy! Or, you can donate your candy to military service members, sick kids, and more. There are some great options for getting rid of unwanted Halloween candy to spare your teeth and your tummy!

Candy Buy Back Programs

Candy Buy Back locations will take your candy and turn it into cash! Sometimes they’ll weigh the candy and pay you by the pound. Or, they might give a flat rate to every child who brings in candy. Some even give away toothbrushes, dental hygiene kits, and coupons in exchange for candy. I’ve heard of one local dentist who entered every child who turned in candy into a raffle for a Nintendo Switch!

Dentist Offices

Dentist offices are notorious for offering candy buy back programs, offering cash and other incentives in exchange for hard-earned Halloween candy. It makes sense! Candy is terrible for your teeth and are cavities-in-the-making! Our pediatric dentist’s office offers an annual candy buy back program. Every pound of candy brought in equals $1 in cash for your kiddo. And probably lots more saved for mom and dad in terms of long-term oral health!

Orthodontic Offices

Many children are in braces or have other reasons they can’t mow down on suckers and hard candy. Orthodontic offices often offer candy buy back programs as an exciting way for children to gain something valuable for forgoing sweets. For example, Resmer+Ryan Orthodontics in Noblesville is offering $2 per pound of unopened Halloween candy brought into their office (5 lb limit). All candy will be donated to US troops worldwide. You do not need to be a patient to participate.

Where to Donate Halloween Candy to a Good Cause

Get rid of unwanted Halloween candy and feel good about helping somebody! Donate your extra candy to a good cause! From treats for troops to candy for sick children and their families, many organizations will gladly accept candy donations. Teaching your children philanthropy while they’re young builds character. You may be amazed to see them find joy in giving and might even be looking for other family-friendly volunteer opportunities.

Treats for Troops

Soldiers’ Angels Treats for Troops is a Halloween candy collection program where local businesses and organizations register to collect excess Halloween candy which is then sent to military service members. Kids can earn buyback prizes and donations come with a tax-deductible receipt. Check the Candy Map for collection sites AFTER Halloween to find a location near you.

Operation Shoebox

Operation Shoebox is dedicated to bringing comfort, support, and a touch of home to our brave soldiers deployed overseas. Candy is accepted year-round and is distributed on Halloween, Christmas, and Easter to troops missing the festivities while away from home. All candy donations can be sent to Operation Shoebox at 8360 East Highway 25, Belleview, FL 34420.

Ronald McDonald House Charities

Call your local chapter of the Ronald McDonald House Charities to find out the rules on bringing unopened Halloween candy for sick children or their families to enjoy. If you don’t have one near you, inquire at your local hospital.

Other options for candy donation include calling your local food pantry, homeless shelter, or nursing home. Call ahead to make sure they accept Halloween candy and if children are allowed to tag along when dropping off donated candy.

Trick or Treat Hours | Indianapolis Area

Halloween is about so much more than candy! While the kiddos love trick-or-treating, running from house to house all dressed up with their candy buckets, the thrill of acquiring candy could be enough. ALL of the candy doesn’t have to make it into their mouths, does it? There are many exciting Halloween traditions to incorporate that aren’t all about the candy. Have you been booed before? Check out this article on ‘How to Boo‘ and start a new tradition in your neighborhood this year, or plan for next. It’s a fun pay-it-forward activity for kids at Halloween.

Things to Do in November

What do you do with your Halloween candy? Have you turned candy into cash at a candy buy back? Have you donated your Halloween candy? Share your comments and pictures with us below or tag us on social media using #PLAYindy. Follow Indy with Kids on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for all of the best ideas and things to do with kids in Indy!