Goldenberg's Celebrates 97 Years of Peanut Chews With Gifts For US Troops
By Hadas Kuznits
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Today was "Peanut Chews Day" in Philadelphia, as the company that makes the iconic Philadelphia candy used the opportunity to give back to members of the Armed Forces serving abroad.
Bob Zender, with Goldenberg's Peanut Chews, says that in celebration of the company's 97th birthday, they decided to give away some care packages.
"We're actually celebrating with the USO by giving away stockings to troops overseas," he says.
Joseph Brooks, with the USO, says that for area servicemembers, it's the perfect candy to pack.
"Peanut Chews is a local candy, and a reminder of home -- all the things they cherish and miss," he notes.
Sgt. Robin Johnson (far end of table) was helping out today. She says she remembers receiving care packages herself.
"Now it's my turn! I pack it for them because I remember when I was deployed and somebody did the same thing for us," she said.
And, she recalls, it was a luxury to get items associated with home.
"Because there's nothing like getting Peanut Chews, pretzels. You're like, 'Ahhh! I might be away from home, but I'm actually home.' "