Pepper Pike teacher turns leftover Halloween candy into gifts for veterans

PEPPER PIKE, Ohio (WOIO) - A Pepper Pike middle school teacher has found a way to turn unwanted Halloween candy into gifts for veterans.

Ballard Brady Middle School teacher Samantha Schaedler uses her classroom to teach students about giving back to veterans. For 13 years, she has collected leftover Halloween candy from students and donated it to VA facilities and military bases.

“My why is my neighbor Marvin. My father passed away when I was 12 years old. And Marvin really became more than a neighbor to me. He was like my father,” Schaedler said.

Marvin fought in the Korean War. Even though he has passed away, Schaedler uses his story to teach students about veterans and the sacrifices they made.

Students collect more than 100 pounds annually

Throughout the school year, her students write cards, run clothing drives and donate games to say thank you to veterans. The candy drive, which started in 2012, collects more than 100 pounds of unwanted candy each year.

“I personally have three boys and we always ended up with a lot of leftover Halloween candy. I started to look for places to donate. I realized there were not many places in our community to donate. And I thought why don’t we start something for our veterans,” Schaedler said.

Student Emani Triplett volunteers her time for the cause.

“At one point in life, I was the one who needed stuff like this, and it really does feel good to give back to veterans. Especially because my grandparents are also veterans, and it feels so good and heartwarming,” Triplett said.

“I love what Mrs. Schaedler is doing. I don’t think I have ever met a teacher who will go out of their way to do this stuff for other people. It makes me feel so proud to be a part of her class,” Triplett said.

Schaedler and her students take donations until November 21.

You can drop off at Ballard Brady Middle School or call 440-336-1367.