Don't want Halloween candy leftovers? Donate to 'Recycle the Treats'

While the tradition of trick or treating is one many kids and their parents look forward to, the concept of having so much candy in the house after is not (at least for the parents). For those who would like to purge the candy, there's a program in the greater Sacramento/Placer region that is accepting unwanted Halloween candy donations which will be used to help fill Christmas stockings for foster youth in the area. The program, called Recycle the Treats, began 17 years ago, when then-high schooler Zackarie Moore was tasked with helping to find ways to support "Hope 4 The Holidays," as his community service effort required through school. "Hope 4 The Holidays" is a public service campaign established in 2001 to provide holiday gifts, stockings, gift baskets and birthday bundles to foster/adopt youth in Sacramento and Placer counties. Moore challenged his classmates and others to donate back at least half the treats they collect to help fill stockings. Now, his two sons, ages 2 and 4, join the effort. Businesses are encouraged to have a box on site where staff can drop off, and youth groups are also invited to gather goodies. Candy can be picked up or dropped off through Nov. 20 by texting 916-583-1322. The public is also invited to help fill these stockings assembly-line style Monday, Dec. 8, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints community room, 89 Scholar Way in Folsom. The activity is open to volunteers of all ages. Participants may also bring other stocking stuffers such as small toys, pens, pencils and/or a new unwrapped gift for foster/adopt youth ages newborn to 18.