Free Chocolate!

We really only need to give you two words here to put you in a good mood: free chocolate.

But yes, there is a catch. It can only be yours if you'll be in the city of Chicago. On Thursday, Mars snackfood, the benevolent folks who brought us sweet treats including the Snickers bar, Twix and M&Ms, will be distributing 50,000 free full-size chocolate products to salivating Chicagoans.

Why? Because from July 22 through August 31, consumers over age 13 were invited to log onto RealChocolate.com and vote for one of nearly 350 U.S. cities they thought could use some sweet relief. The Windy City emerged the winner.

And we have to give some props to Chicago here. Did people really think this city was in most in need of joy, or were its residents simply organized enough to band together in the name of free chocolate. We tend to think the latter.

But whatever the reason, Chicagoans should be on the lookout for NASCAR driver Kyle Busch -- the dude who drives the M&M car -- who will help hand out the chocolate at Pioneer Plaza.

"Providing Chicago with some sweet relief is the perfect culmination to the Mars Real Chocolate Relief Act program," said Michele Kessler, Mars Snackfood US vice president of marketing, according to a press release. "In Chicago and throughout the nation, Mars is excited to continue our industry-leading commitment to give our customers what they want -- 100 percent real authentic chocolate." (Yes, we know this is corporate spin, but she does have a point. I do want 100 percent real authentic chocolate. Right now, in fact!)

So, if you are in need of some chocolate, head to downtown Chicago and grab a free bar. Just try to save us some, OK?

Photo courtesy of Rodrigo Moraes via Wikimedia Commons.