By Duffy Perkins
The allure of Halloween candy cannot be denied. There’s a reason why stores start stocking their candy in mid-August – we simply can’t stop eating it. But by the time November 1st comes around, it’s easy to be done with candy corn and caramel destroying your kid’s teeth…and yours!
If you want that candy out of your home, think again before you just throw it away (or go on a sugar bender yourself). Several options in the Annapolis area allow you to drop off candy for a good cause.
Candy Trade-in
About Smiles Dentistry will exchange your child’s candy for a new toothbrush. Simply make sure all the candy is wrapped in its sealed, original packaging (no nibbling) and drop it off at their office located at 507 S. Cherry Grove Ave.
Spivak Orthodontics in Severna Park is offering a cash incentive to children: $1 per pound of candy. The annual tradition encourages good dental hygiene among kids, and the office donates the candy to the Red Cross.
Candy Donation
Graul’s Market in Annapolis and Cape St. Claire has two ways to drop off candy. The first is their drop box for My Brother’s Pantry, a volunteer-run local non-profit aimed at providing assistance for food-insecure members of our community. My Brother’s Pantry will accept any Halloween candy and anything else you can help give.
Graul’s will also send candy overseas to troops. Simply bring your candy to their customer service desk in clean packaging. Feel free to write notes to those who support and protect us overseas to include with their candy delivery.
The Lighthouse Shelter is also accepting donations of candy and household items (please do not bring clothing); candy will be happily distributed among residents.
Schools may also accept your donations of (nut-free) candy. Perfect for teacher break rooms and special events for the kids, there’s always the need for something sweet. Be sure to call or email your local school, or check with your child’s teacher before sending candy in.
Firehouses are another great alternative. Firemen always appreciate sweet treats to help them stay awake during overnight shifts, so having extra Halloween candy around does wonders for keeping our communities safe.
Extra Special Baking!
Plan ahead to holiday baking by saving your candy to include in baked goods. Think Rice Krispie treats with M&Ms, chocolate chip cookies with candy bar pieces instead of morsels, and chocolate bark with toffee bits…all great ways to change up your holiday cookies. For baking ideas that use up candy, there are plenty of ideas on Pinterest or TikTok to browse!
Freeze it!
Another great option is to re-package your candy into smaller supplies and stash those in your freezer. Small Ziploc baggies will hold plenty of mini candy bars and lollipops, and you can portion those out to your kids (and yourself) throughout the year without feeling as if you’ve destroyed your stomach.
So when the kids return home with pillowcases brimming with sugary treats– don’t panic! Treat yo’ self to a few chocolatey favorites and then make a plan to use a little Halloween (mom) magic and make it disappear come November!
Helping Kids Cope With the Halloween ‘Hangover’