We are excited to announce we are rebalancing the Operation Gratitude Care Package “machine” (our incredible volunteer workforce, warehousing infrastructure, shipping methods, etc.) as we transition away from the Halloween Candy Give-Back program to improve support to our troops and first responders. Although we love the massive donations of candy that were sent over the years, we’ve learned that the bulk shipments we needed to use to disperse tons of sweets can create serious logistics bottlenecks for our units of service members and first responders.

Our goal is putting individual Care Packages in the hands of those who serve, and we are already working with wonderful partners like Mars Wrigley, Ferrara, Haribo, and the Girl Scouts who are supporting our current Care Packages with sweet snacks. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all those who contributed to the Halloween Candy Give-Back and although we are no longer operating this program, we hope you will continue to be inspired to express your gratitude to our Military members and first responders with other items we’ve heard they need and appreciate.

Tens of thousands of U.S. Military service members have been deployed in response to the crisis in Ukraine and Operation Gratitude is committed to ensuring these individuals know the American people believe their service and sacrifice matters. To this end, we are delighted to announce we have set a goal to increase the 100,000+ packages we distribute each year to over 1.2 million Care Packages by 2027!

This ambitious goal will require enormous effort from our staff, volunteers, and partners year-round, and the Halloween season is no exception. We are shifting our Candy Give-Back program to dedicate our full focus on the Care Package growth plan and execution. It’s a very exciting time, and don’t worry…our packages will still have plenty of sweet treats.

If you and your family would like to volunteer or donate other items our troops will appreciate, there are so many ways to get involved…

• They can Volunteer with us at an upcoming event.
• Write letters to our troops and first responders and send them to us. Letters and notes are the most cherished items in our Care Packages, and letter writing is a great opportunity for the whole family to stay engaged and let our service members and first responders know you care.
• Make Paracord Survival Bracelets with your friends, family, or groups to add to our signature Care Packages.
• Fundraise for Operation Gratitude on social media, host fun activities like car washes or bake sales, through our website, or through collection drives. Just $25 puts a Care Package in the hands of a service member.

Please visit OperationGratitude.com/volunteer for more details. Our volunteers and partners are the heart and soul of Operation Gratitude, and we welcome your support and invite you to join us on the journey.