Gilroy students collect Halloween candy for troops overseas

GILROY, Calif. - A South Bay high school is making the lives of our military troops overseas a little sweeter by collecting leftover Halloween candy and giving back to them.

The students at Christopher High School in Gilroy are on a mission to fill these barrels with leftover Halloween candy from trick or treating.

Sophomore Melinda Colbert buys candy on sale the day after Halloween.

"The least we can do is send them something sweet that reminds them of home and makes them happy," said Colbert.

It's a project the school does every year, donating the "Treats for Troops" through the "Operation Interdependence" nonprofit. It's a way to let the troops know even when we aren't in a war, they're not forgotten.

"It's important to support the people who are fighting for our country in different places, sacrificing their lives so we can live here in peace," said senior Jesse Calderon.

So far, the school has collected more than 50 pounds of candy. They are hoping to collect more than 300 pounds by the end of this week and are inviting the community to help.

Every February, the students help prepare care packages. The English classes write heartfelt letters to the troops.

Back in 2011, a U.S. Marine was killed in Afghanistan by an improvised explosive device. In the pocket of his uniform when he died was a letter from a Christopher High School student. His mother tracked the school down.

"It feels we have a purpose and just this tiny little impact that we have can make a person's day," said senior Olivia Laveroni.

The project is teaching them valuable life lessons and reminding them their sweet gestures make a difference.

"There's more in this world than just yourself," said Calderon. "Being selfless and giving back to others."

"Appreciate everyone who's doing things for you so for the soldiers overseas, our purpose is to thank them for all that they are doing," said Laveroni.