Candy makes you fat, and flowers die — so why not send a gift that's healthful, fun, and helps the National MS Society?

Edible Arrangements specializes in that perfect gift of delicious and nutritious fresh fruit (okay, some is dipped in chocolate), artfully displayed in a colorful arrangement. All this month, when you purchase an Orange Citrus Blossom arrangement, $5 will go to the National MS Society for each one sold. No birthdays or anniversaries in March? No problem. You just have to purchase the arrangement during March; it can be delivered any time of year!

"As far as putting time and effort into any charity, it's the [National] MS Society," said Nick D'Alleva. D'Alleva owns three Edible Arrangements stores on the North Shore of Boston. The Society is his charity of choice because his brother-in-law and niece both have multiple sclerosis.

In 2011, D'Alleva came up with the idea to combine his business with a fundraiser for the Society. Since then, he and his fellow store owners have raised nearly $40,000 for the Society.

This year, 61 Edible Arrangements stores in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island are taking part in the campaign.

Don't you have someone you know who would love a healthful treat?

To order an Orange Citrus Blossom, visit edible.com/MS for a listing of all participating locations.

Aileen is the Director of Development for the Greater New England Chapter of the National MS Society responsible for the 2013 Challenge Walk. She has interned with the National MS Society at the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter with Program Events and is looking forward to working closely with the Steering Committee and Challenge Walk Teams to make this year's MS Challenge Walk a memorable one!