It’s back! Bethesda service group MoverMoms is once again organizing their “Treats-4-Troops” drive, and the kickoff is planned for this Saturday at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center.

Launched in 2007, the drive began as a way to help clear excess Halloween candy out of the house and to benefit U.S. servicemen and women serving overseas. MoverMoms donates candy to a West Virginia military mom, who uses the treats to fill stockings she then ships out to the troops for arrival around the winter holidays.

The effort has expanded over the past several years, and individuals, school groups and businesses from across the Washington, D.C. region now organize candy drives to benefit the effort. Last year, the group collected more candy than ever – about 10,000 pounds. The drive is also great for moms and dads looking for creative ways to encourage their kids to eat less Halloween candy – a topic our mom columnist Marly Carpenter weighed in on this week.

This Saturday, during the drive’s kickoff, volunteers are needed to help make posters to hang at candy collection points. The event will take place from 12-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center. Poster board, markers, pizza and drinks will be provided. If you can attend, RSVP to Rebecca Kahlenberg at rebeccakahlenberg@gmail.com.

Stay tuned to Patch for details on candy collection locations in your area, and don’t forget to set aside a few treats for the troops this Halloween.