Plymouth Fire Department Collects Candy for the Troops

The Plymouth Fire Department is collecting Halloween candy from area families to send to military personnel deployed in hostile territories. Candy will be collected at the front desk of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., until 4:30 p.m. Nov. 1. (Loose, excess or leftover candy will be accepted.)

Once collected, the candy will be given to Hopkins-based Shamblott Family Dentistry, which ships it overseas through the organization Operation Gratitude. Operation Gratitude sends more than 100,000 care packages annually filled with snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation to military personnel, their children veterans, first responders, and the wounded and their care givers.

“It’s good for the kids because they don’t need all that sugar, but it’s also good for the troops because it helps to boost morale,” said Plymouth Firefighter Sue Magy who first became involved with the initiative two years back. She now heads up the effort for the Plymouth Fire Department. “It’s a small way to help support the troops.”

Magy said the candy also helps with community relations. “Candy is inexpensive, but it could even save a life overseas. Military members have even given the candy to local children, in exchange for the location of IEDs,” she added.

Last year, area families from Plymouth and the Three Rivers Park District donated 30 pounds of candy. Whole bags of candy can also be donated. No Pixie Stix will be accepted. For more information, call Plymouth City Hall at 763-509-5000. More information about Operation Gratitude.