Halloween Costume Drive

Halloween has long been a favorite holiday of children young and old.  Dressing up in costume to solicit candy from neighbors has become a true piece of Americana.  To the children saddled with the burden of poverty, this holiday is not always a source of joy.  You probably remember venturing to a school costume party as a child.  There were always the popular costumes of the year, and the truly lucky kids would always have them.  There might be some kids dressed as “hobos” in old clothes, or other kids not in much of a costume at all.  Do you remember those kids being jeered?  Do you remember how they were embarrassed when the teacher asked them what they were dressed as? 

The ten to fifteen dollars a costume may cost does not seem like much money, but when you are worried about keeping the heat on and everyone in the house fed, the money for fun items just is not there.  Children today have enough issues, especially those living in low income situations.  They wrestle with self esteem issues that often hinder them in fulfilling their potential in school and life.  It is for this reason that the Samaritan Center makes such an effort to bring new, shiny goods to children whenever we can.  School supplies, backpacks, Christmas presents, valentines, Easter baskets, and Halloween costumes.  Every child deserves to have something new, not to always have last years rejects, or nothing at all. 

Every September the Samaritan Center collects costumes, candy, decorations, and other Halloween items to distribute to children in need.  Costumes are distributed to ages 12 and under.  Collections begin September first and run though the month of October.  If your group would like to participate please fill out the enclosed form and return it to the Samaritan Center. 

You can help by making personal donations, by starting a costume drive at your workplace, church, or school, and by encouraging others to help.  Some ideas are:  having a dress down day and collecting costumes or funds to participate, hold contests between departments to see who can raise the most and reward the winners with a pizza party, or bring a group to volunteer to help hand out costumes in October. 

 

For more information, contact the Samaritan Center at 573-634-7776 or email us!