Back in 2010, with childhood obesity rates skyrocketing and Halloween festivities generating an impossible onslaught of sugary treats, one Mamaroneck Avenue mom had a brilliant idea.
“I thought there must be something we could do at school to reduce the incredible amount of candy entering bodies of our children, without simply throwing it out,” recalls Hilde Friderichs, local community activist and mother of Amelia, 10, and Melina, 8. “The idea came within a flash – why not encourage the kids to donate some of their candy to the troops fighting for them overseas?”
Within days – and with the enthusiastic support of MAS Principal Carrie Amon – Friderichs pulled together all the elements of Halloween Candy Exchange. Flyers and signs were created to let kids know where to drop off their candy; volunteers were organized; local dentists donated 400 free toothbrushes as a reward for kids making donations; and Collins Brothers Moving Company in Larchmont agreed to transport the candy to Operation Shoebox who distributes the candy overseas for free.
Find out what's happening in Larchmont-Mamaroneckwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
This year, for the first time, Halloween Candy Exchange will be collecting candy at all six Mamaroneck elementary schools, including Mamaroneck Avenue School, Chatsworth Avenue School, Murray Avenue School, Central School, Bellows Elementary School and Daniel K. Warren Elementary School.
Girl scout volunteers will begin gathering candy two days after Halloween on Friday, November 1 and Monday, November 4 prior to the start of school. Once a child has made a donation, he or she signs a thank you letter that will be sent along with the candy to the soldiers and receives a toothbrush in exchange for the candy. The Girl Scouts then pack up the thank you cards and boxes, also donated by Collins Brothers, for distribution overseas.
Find out what's happening in Larchmont-Mamaroneckwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“We’re just thrilled to be able to be a part of this exceptional program, because not only does it help us serve our local community, but it also sends a message to our troops overseas that we’re grateful for the sacrifices they make,” said John Creeley, VP Operstions at Collins Brothers. “After all, pretty soon after Halloween is Veteran’s Day and what better way to honor it than to send our troops a giant care package from our kids.”
This year’s goal for Halloween Candy Exchange is to collect 400 pounds of candy at each school, which will translate to 30 boxes. If this goal is met, students at some of the schools will even receive an extra period of recess.
“This is a program where everybody wins,” said Friderichs. “The children feel great because they share their candy and get a free tootbrush - and in some cases, extra recess if we reach our goal! The dentists are grateful that we’re encouraging good dental hygiene. The soldiers really appreciate receiving the fun-sized candy, which brings back happy memories of Halloween at home.”
“And finally, the parents are happy because it encourages kids to voluntarily enjoy their candy in moderation. For parents concerned about their children’s long term health, that makes Halloween a lot less scary,” she added.
For more information about Halloween Candy Exchange, and how your school can participate, contact Hilde Friderichs at hilde555@hotmail.com.
