For nearly a decade, Treats for Troops has been turning leftover Halloween candy into something truly special — a heartfelt thank you to the men and women serving our country. Now celebrating its ninth year, this beloved program, organized by the nonprofit Soldiers’ Angels, collects, sorts, and ships candy to U.S. troops all over the world from multiple different service branches.
It’s a simple idea with a big impact: share a little sweetness, brighten a service member’s day, and teach our kids about the joy of giving back.
What Is Treats for Troops?
Treats for Troops is a nationwide Halloween candy collection program that connects communities with deployed service members and Veterans. The initiative is run by Soldiers’ Angels, a nonprofit that proudly endorses a bipartisan approach to its operations, making it a respected and trusted organization by many. Their mission says it best: “to provide aid, comfort, and resources to the military community and Veteran community.”
The program’s motto — to make troops feel like “kids in a candy store!” — captures the spirit perfectly. Thanks to the thousands of families, schools, and businesses that participate each year, that motto becomes a reality for troops stationed across the globe.
Beyond sending candy, Treats for Troops also teaches children and communities about gratitude, generosity, and the importance of supporting those who serve.
Who Can Participate?
One of the best parts about Treats for Troops is how easy it is to get involved. Each year, local businesses, schools, military bases, and community groups can register online (for free!) to become official candy collection sites.
There’s just one small rule: each registered site must collect at least 10 pounds of candy to donate.
Typical collection sites include:
- VA hospitals
- Schools and universities
- Medical and dental offices
- Gyms and boutique fitness studios
- Boy and Girl Scout troops
- National Guard or Reserve units
- Military installations
Fun fact: Dental offices across the country lead the way in the number of collection sites each year! Way to go, dental world!
What Kind of Candy Can You Donate?
Pretty much any kind of store-bought candy is welcome! The Treats for Troops program has just a few easy guidelines to keep donations safe and sweet:
- Individually wrapped candy is best (though small, unopened bags of loose candy—like candy corn—are fine too).
- No homemade or handmade candy, please.
- No baked goods, whether store-bought or homemade.
How to Get Involved
Whether you’re a parent, small business owner, or part of a community group, there are a few ways to take part in Treats for Troops:
1. Become a Collection Site
Sign up to host a Treats for Troops collection site by October 31 at midnight (CST). After registering, you can start collecting candy from November 1 through November 30, then ship it off to Soldiers’ Angels for distribution to troops and Veterans.
2. Drop Off Candy at a Local Site
If you’re not running a collection site but have candy to share, no problem! Just check out the interactive Treats for Troops “Candy Map” on the Soldiers’ Angels website to find a drop-off location near you.
Missed This Year? Plan Ahead for Next Halloween!
If you missed this year’s collection window, it’s never too early to start planning for next year’s Treats for Troops. Registration for collection sites typically opens around October 1 each year, so mark your calendar!
When you join the program, you’re doing more than just donating candy — you’re sending smiles, comfort, and gratitude to the heroes who give so much for our country.
To find out more or to register your organization for next year’s program, visit the official Soldiers’ Angels Treats for Troops page. Together, we can make sure every service member knows they’re appreciated — one sweet treat at a time.
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