On Saturday October 17, 2015 hundreds of kids sorted through racks full of Halloween costumes to transform themselves into the princess or superhero of their dreams. These children’s families rely on Interfaith Social Services programs for assistance. Without this event these kids might have missed out on trick-or-treating this year because their families don’t have enough disposable income to buy them a Halloween costume. As client families arrived at Interfaith’s offices they were teamed up with one of Interfaith’s amazing volunteers. “Many of our volunteers brought their children with them to the event,” said Interfaith’s executive director Rick Doane. “Watching little four year old kids helping other four year olds find their perfect costume was heart warming.”
“Our food pantry serves upwards of five-hundred children each month. Helping these kids and their families is paramount to our organization’s mission. Everyone can see the joy that kids experience each October 31st. Our youngest clients, many of whom are living in some very difficult situations, deserve to experience that joy more than anyone else.”
“All of the costumes came from an amazing outpouring of support from the community. Dozens of local children organized costume drives at their schools. Generous donors went out and purchased costumes. Many individuals stopped by the office with gently used costumes which their kids had previously used. It was incredible to see how many people rallied to help these kids have a fun Halloween. That example of love and compassion makes this event extra special.”
This is the fourth year that Interfaith Social Services has organized a Halloween costume event for the kids served by their food pantry. Donations for next year’s event have already started to arrive.
Photos by Nations Photography