A Boyertown tradition marking a decade of community support for military service members will return this Memorial Day weekend as The Peppermint Stick Candy Store & Ice Cream Parlor hosts its 10th annual “Candy for Our Troops” event from May 21 through May 25.
Each year, the candy shop organizes care packages filled with sweet treats and handwritten notes, which are sent to active-duty members of the military with ties to the Boyertown area. This year’s recipients include Laura Adams, a U.S. Navy electrician’s mate and 2024 Boyertown Area High School graduate; Corporal Gabriel Gilbert, a U.S. Marine and 2021 Boyertown Area High School graduate; and Sergeant Anthony Romano, also a Marine and 2020 graduate of Roman Catholic High School.
“For the past decade, our ‘Candy for Our Troops’ event has been a meaningful way for our community to show its gratitude to the brave men and women who serve our country,” says Rachael Kehler, the owner of The Peppermint Stick. “This year’s ‘Candy for Our Troops’ event holds an extra special place in my heart. Laura Adams, who once worked right here at the store during her high school years, is now serving our country in the US Navy. I couldn’t be prouder of all she has accomplished. It’s truly an honor to support her and all our local heroes.”
The care packages are meant as a gesture of appreciation during the Memorial Day holiday, and members of the public are invited to contribute messages of thanks by visiting the store during the event.
“While we can provide the candy, the true care comes from the personal messages from our community,” adds Jodie Moyer, an employee at The Peppermint Stick. “These cards let our local heroes know that their sacrifices are seen, appreciated, and never forgotten.”
The Peppermint Stick, located at 26 E. Philadelphia Avenue, will have note cards available in-store throughout the event period. Community members can stop in to fill out a message, which will be included alongside the donated candy.
The initiative has become a longstanding tradition in Boyertown, providing a way for residents to express gratitude to local military members stationed far from home.