HALLOWEEN COSTUME DRIVE

Thanks to Jennifer Enriquez for sharing this Great Idea via Building Faith.

Jennifer Enriquez outlines how a long-standing relationships with a shelter for women and children escaping domestic abuse put them in an ideal position to provide something meaningful and fun for the children making this difficult transition (not to mention their moms!).

The costume drive began in 2018 and has grown to include the entire community and all ages.

Children help with signage around the community (and online). Teens sort and prepare donated costumes – and share their own memories as they do so. Adults collect and deliver costumes (teens and children might participate in this, depending upon shelter safety protocols).

Find Enriquez’s full article, including a promotional poster and tips for hosting your own costume drive here.

The very same idea could be used to support children with a chronic illness (be sure to check allergy concerns before delivering costumes to a hospital!); children whose parents are incarcerated; children of parents struggling with addiction; or children experiencing homelessness or living in transient housing.

Note: the shelter created the Halloween event, so this is not the same as a trunk-or-treat or other gathering event. Work with or leave to the discretion of your partner organization what opportunities are best for wearing the costumes, for the children they serve.

Get all the generations involved in a gently-used and new costume drive this Halloween and share some love with local children!