Got more treats than tricks this Halloween? We won’t sugarcoat it: That’s a good thing. But if you find you can’t keep all those Sour Patch Kids and fun-size Snickers contained, share the wealth with a good cause. Drop extra candy off at hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, or take it to local businesses that are sweetening the deal by trading sugar for toys or cash.
The Toy Nest
The D.C. area’s only toy lending library is again collecting excess Halloween candy in exchange for toys. All candy will be donated to the trash collectors serving Falls Church City and to the Falls Church Public Works Operations Department, the public servants who collect leaves, plow snow, clean up after storms, and maintain city vehicles and infrastructure. Drop off unopened candy Nov. 1-8 at The Toy Nest during business hours. For every pound donated, kids can borrow one point’s worth of toys, valued at $15-$20 per point. Toy Nest members may keep the toy for two weeks; non-members get one week. Toys include games, puzzles, Lego sets and more. 125 N. Washington St., Falls Church
VK Pediatric Dentistry
During the Candy Buy Back program at this dental practice—the first two weeks of November—children can get $1 per pound, up to 5 pounds. They’ll also get a goodie bag, while supplies last. No need to be a patient to participate; this is open to all kids in Arlington, Falls Church and McLean. Stop in during business hours and get a bonus prize if you come in costume. The office will donate all the candy it buys back. 5001 Langston Blvd., Arlington
Kiwanis Club of Tysons & Caboose Brewing Company & Tavern
Kiwanis and Caboose Brewing have teamed to collect candy for Soldiers’ Angels, which provides aid, comfort and resources to active-duty military members, veterans and their families. Bring candy to Caboose Commons in the Mosaic District or Caboose Tavern through Nov. 4. Want to pitch in on the redistribution? On Nov. 5, 7 p.m., meet at Luther Jackson Middle School (3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church) to help sort it all into goody bags. Caboose Commons, 2918 Eskridge Road, Fairfax (Mosaic District); Caboose Tavern, 520 Mill St. NE, Vienna
Mount Olivet United Methodist Church
Donate wrapped candy to the Community Assistance program at this Arlington church through Nov. 5. Just leave it in a collection bin in the preschool. 1500 N. Glebe Road, Arlington