If you looked out your window last night, you probably noticed the rain dampening the usual Halloween hustle. While the weather might have kept some trick-or-treaters away, it also means that many Ahwatukee families are sitting on a surplus of leftover candy today.
Instead of letting those sweet treats sit in a bowl until next year, a local volunteer is asking our community to turn that leftover Halloween candy into a beautiful Christmas surprise for children in need.
The organization Backpacks 4 Kids AZ is currently collecting unopened candy to pack Christmas stockings for at least 500 kids across the Valley. It is a wonderful, simple way to extend the spirit of the season and share a little extra joy with families who need it most.
The Details: How to Donate
The official drop-off location for the candy is the Backpacks 4 Kids AZ Food Pantry at 6819 N 21st Ave, Unit N, Phoenix, AZ 85015. You can drop off your unopened treats during their regular distribution hours:
Tuesdays: 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM Wednesdays: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM Thursdays: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
We know that driving all the way to central Phoenix might not fit into your busy Ahwatukee schedule. Fortunately, the volunteer organizing this drive has a solution. If the drop-off location is too far for you, simply send them a direct message. They are more than happy to connect you with a volunteer closer to your home or work out a convenient pickup arrangement.
The Ahwatukee Spirit in Action
This initiative is a perfect example of what makes our neighborhood so special. It takes the remnants of one holiday and transforms them into a meaningful gesture for another. It is about neighbors helping neighbors, and ensuring that every child in our community gets to experience the magic of the holidays.
Whether you have a single bag of leftover chocolates or a massive haul from a big family, every single piece of candy helps fill a stocking and brings a smile to a child’s face.
We Want to Hear From You
Did the rain keep the trick-or-treaters away from your street last night? Do you have a favorite local charity you support during the holiday season?
Share your thoughts, your leftover candy haul, and your holiday giving plans in the comments below. Let us work together to make this Christmas a little sweeter for 500 local kids.
