Candy for a Cause: Donations Distributed to Deployed Troops and Local Heroes

Tyler Ochs

Tyler Ochs

Published November 20, 2018 5:25 am
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CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — Clarion Area Elementary students joined kids across the country earlier this month when they donated their extra Halloween candy to Operation Gratitude.

The sweet treats were included along with handwritten thank you letters in care packages sent to U.S. Service Members deployed overseas, veterans, and local first responders.

An incredible 250 pounds of candy was donated by Clarion Area Elementary students from November 1 through November 6. The classroom that collected the most candy was Mrs. Parrett’s 2nd grade class, donating an amazing 32 pounds. Additional candy donations were made by Redbank Valley School District and the Clarion Free Library.

The campaign was a joint effort between Clarion Area School District students, staff, and local businesses. Roger Walter, Hugh Henry, Seneca Woodworking, and Lifetouch Studios contributed with generous donations towards shipping. Ashley Corcetti and the Captain Loomis donated pizzas.

Americans spend an estimated $2.5 billion dollars on a whopping 600 million pounds of Halloween candy each year. In 2017, more than 400,000 pounds of candy were donated to Operation Gratitude and distributed to America’s Heroes through its care package programs.

Operation Gratitude, a 501(c)(3), volunteer-based organization, annually sends 250,000+ care packages to Veterans, New Recruit Graduates, First Responders, Wounded Heroes, Caregivers, and to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed overseas and their families waiting at home. Each package is filled with food, entertainment, hygiene and hand-made items, as well as personal letters of support. Since its inception in 2003, Operation Gratitude volunteers have shipped more than 2.1 Million Care Packages.

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