Your leftover Halloween candy could become someone else's Christmas stocking.

Operation Santa was started five years ago by Peoria native, Patti Smith.

Her son Josey had been deployed to Iraq and spent his Christmas overseas.

Over the last four years, the non-profit organization has sent 70-thousand Christmas stockings to troops overseas.

But Smith says with the recession, things will be a bit more difficult this year.

Operation Santa Organizer Patti Smith says, "What we need the most is our funds for shipping. We've really been hurt in that area as has everyone due to the economy, and I know that everyone's hurting, but none so much as our weary troops serving. So, we've just got to make this happen. We'll find a way to make it happen."

Patti Smith's Son Josey Wenger says, "When you get something like a stocking from America with the candies you grew up with and just little pieces of America, not only do you get to enjoy them, but if you're out on patrol, let's say little Iraqi kids are coming up to you, you have something to give them."

Because of the economy, Operation Santa is only half-way to its goal for shipping expenses.

Operation Santa stuffs stockings with everything from candy and snacks to toiletries for the deployed troops.

More than 37-thousand stockings are waiting to be stuffed on November 9th.

Stocking goodies can be donated at the Midwest Food Bank in Peoria.

For more information on how to make a cash donation, visit operationsanta.info