EDISON PARK — The scariest part of Halloween for those trying to lose a few pounds — or at least not gain a handful — can be the mounds of leftover Halloween candy that are almost impossible to resist.
Fear not, dieters — and those hoping to avoid a trip to the dentist.
Ald. Anthony Napolitano (41st)'s office will collect leftover Halloween candy and donate it to a charity that helps create Christmas magic for terminally ill children.
Operation North Pole transforms the Metra tracks into a real-life Polar Express, complete with Santa Claus, his elves and, of course, presents and candy.
The effort is designed to give very sick children, along with their siblings, a magical day of Christmas fun with no thoughts of illness, hospitals or doctors, organizers said.
Through Sunday, candy can be dropped off at the 41st Ward Office at 7422 N. Harlem Ave.
The group will accept donations of all kinds of candy, including loose candy, like Skittles and M&Ms that can be scooped up by delighted children, as well as wrapped candy like bite-size candy bars, organizers said. Gumdrops, lollipops and and gummy bears are also needed.
But the group won't accept candy with Halloween-themed wrappers, or candy that is all-black or all-orange, organizers said.
The group is also seeking donations of new, still-in-the-box Barbie dolls and Matchbox cars for the event, organizers said.
For more information, call 773-631-2241.
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