Samaritan Center takes the fright out of funding Halloween costumes

A shimmering ballerina, a brightly colored super-hero or a knight with matching accessories may be found in many classroom parties at the end of October.

And bags of chocolates, suckers or gum pour out generously from many front doors on the evening of Halloween. But candy and costumes are financially out of the question for some Mid-Missouri families.

For the last eight years, the Samaritan Center in Jefferson City has tried to relieve that burden by distributing the seasonal donations. Candy and costume donations will be collected through the end of this month, then distributed in October to those who need assistance.

"It affects the kids' self-esteem," said Marylyn DeFeo, volunteer executive director. "We want them to not feel different from other children.

"If others are Spider-man or the Hulk or whatever is the 'in' guy and they have nothing, it's a letdown."

Mid-Missourians are encouraged to clean out their closets, like students at St. Martins Catholic School are doing for the third year.

The school collected about 60 costumes and more than 140 bags of candy last year, Meller said.

About 100 costumes were distributed by the Samaritan Center in 2003, DeFeo said. But "we could've used more," DeFeo said.

"If the Samaritan Center distributed more than 800 book bags (before school began) and only 100 costumes, there's a real gap," Meller said. "Kids are going without.

"(Our students) can relate. They know what a magical time this is.

"They don't want other kids to feel left out."

Although her third-grade religion curriculum conveniently addressed helping one's neighbor, Meller said that's a lesson stressed at all levels.

Even the school's patron saint is said to have been a soldier who cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar, Meller said.

"It's our responsibility to help others and share what we have," Meller said.

Meller encouraged other schools, churches, youth organizations and businesses to consider similar collections.

Most clients "are pleased to have anything," DeFeo said.

In fortunate homes, an old sheet might be made into a mummy costume. But in some homes, that worn-out sheet might be the only one they have to sleep on, DeFeo said.

Or the old clothes some people might convert into a scarecrow's get-up is what other children wear to school, she continued.

"Anytime someone gives, they'll get much more back, even if they don't know the child who wore the costume," DeFeo said.

"They just know a child's having a good time."

Costumes may be dropped off at the Samaritan Center, 1310 E. McCarty St., from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 4-6 p.m. Thursday.

Call (573) 634-7776 for more information.

Reporter Michelle Reagan can be contacted at mreagan@newstribune.com.

See also Nancy Vessell's column about the Samaritan Center:

It's not the simple life

Second-grader Sam Hager carries a Halloween costume into a classroom at St. Martin's Catholic School Wednesday, while Ryan Pestka brings candy to donate. The school is collecting candy and costumes to donate to the Samaritan Center. (News Tribune/Stephen Brooks photo)