‘Operation Gratitude’ allows kids to ‘give back’ with treats

Teaching children the value of giving back by donating Halloween candy in support of Operation Gratitude is a win-win for kids, parents, and dentists.

This year, Hickman County trick-or-treaters will join kids across the country when they donate their extra Halloween candy to Operation Gratitude.

Receptacles have been placed in the main offices at both Hickman County Elementary School and Hickman County High School in Clinton for the candy collection.

The sweet treats will be included in Care Packages sent to U.S. Service Members deployed overseas, Veterans, and to First Responders serving in their local communities.

Americans spend an estimated $2.5 billion dollars on a whopping 600 million pounds of Halloween candy each year. In 2018, more than 440,000 pounds of candy was donated to Operation Gratitude and distributed to America’s Heroes through its care package programs.

“Operation Gratitude’s mission is to thank all who serve, bridging the divide between grateful Americans and the Heroes who serve and protect them,” said Kevin Schmiegel, Lieutenant Colonel, USMC (Ret.) and CEO of Operation Gratitude. “The Halloween Candy Give-Back Program provides every American child the opportunity to learn about service, sacrifice and generosity.”

Candy will be collected at HCES and HCHS until Nov. 6.

For more information, visit www.operationgratitude.com/express-your-thanks/halloween-candy/

If someone would like to participate but he or she does not have leftover candy to donate, rather than purchasing candy which can be costly to ship, an online donation may be made to cover the cost of shipping Operation Gratitude care package boxes. Donations can be made by visiting www.operationgratitude.com/