FAQs: Preparing & Shipping Your Candy

Q: How do I prepare my candy for shipping?

A: Line the box with plastic or place the candy in plastic bags to avoid spillage if the box gets damaged in transit. Boxes should be smaller than 24”x24”x20” and weigh less than 30lbs.

Q: Who pays for shipping?

A: You (the donor) are responsible for all costs involved in getting the candy to Operation Gratitude.

Q: Do I need barcodes to put in the box(es) I’m shipping?

A: No. Barcodes are not required this year to ship your candy. Please fill out our online Donation Form. Once you submit your form you will receive an email confirming your donation. Check your Inbox and Spam folders.

Q: When is the shipping deadline?

A: Candy must be postmarked by November 13.

PLEASE NOTE: The shipping deadline date does not mean that your candy must be received by November 13. There is no need to ship overnight or express.

Q: Why is the deadline to ship so soon?

A: We want to be able to ship our care packages to deployed troops overseas as close to Halloween as possible. In order to do this, we need to receive all the candy at our headquarters before our scheduled assembly day.

Q: Where do I ship my candy?

A: Candy should be mailed to:

OG Candy Processing Center

ATTN: Halloween Candy

8967 Oso Ave – Building D

Chatsworth, CA 91311

*Please do not include financial donations with your candy shipment, as they will get lost in the shuffle.

Q: What if I cannot afford to ship my candy?

A: We understand that shipping can be costly, however, because we receive hundreds of thousands of pounds of candy we cannot help with shipping costs. We encourage you to contact local freight and trucking companies in your area to see if they can assist. You may also consider asking each donor to also include $1 with their candy to help offset shipping costs. Please remember that the cost of shipping your donation to us is tax-deductible.

We also suggest contacting a local Military Base, Veteran Organization, or First Responder Department in your area and ASK if they are interested and able to take your candy donation. Please note that because of COVID, many departments may be unable to accept donations, so it’s important we don’t just leave it outside their office or station and that you contact them in advance for permission and directions on how to donate your candy.