GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) – Giving back during the holiday season often means toy or coat drives. A Grand Valley resident has found a unique way to give back, one treat at a time.

“Freeze-dried candy…you see it all over the internet,” Brad Samuels said.

Samuels bought a freeze dryer for camping and backpacking meals, but it morphed into something much bigger.

“Creating something that’s already fun, like Skittles and Jolly Ranchers, candies you already know, and just making them more nostalgic and fun,” Samuels said.

But he didn’t stop there. Samuels thought of ways to give back to the community and smooth things over.

“We noticed there was a lot of graffiti and trash in the neighborhood, and we knew kids would be willing to help clean up the neighborhood in exchange for free candy,” Samuels said.

Today, children knocking on his door, eager to help improve the community in exchange for a treat, are commonplace.

“Since moving to this neighborhood, it’s been really rewarding to help give back a little bit and do whatever we can,” Samuels said.

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