Local nonprofits, businesses provide Halloween giveaway for kids

Hundreds of children are looking forward this year to wearing Halloween costumes donated to them by three local agencies and enjoying a trunk or treat organized by other groups.

“The costume giveaway was unique and unbelievable,” said Tammy Harper, Poplar Bluff Housing Authority Office Manager.

The giveaway Oct. 6, at the Poplar Bluff Housing Authority involved three organizations UCAN, Poplar Bluff Housing Authority and ParentLink, MU Extension, who teamed up to make the event happen.

The youngsters can participate in a Trunk or Treat from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Housing Authority office. The Housing Authority partnered with SCMCAA and Missouri Highlands to host event.

Harper said, “People started forming a line at 8:30 a.m. and the line continued to grow while we were setting up. It was amazing we gave out 505 costumes and packages of new underwear to the children in our community. We served grilled hotdogs, chips, juice, water and of course candy.”

The idea came about when two friends were talking one day about what they could do help children in the community have Halloween costumes.

“Growing up, we remember how much fun Halloween was and the memories we made,” Harper said. “The two friends quickly became three friends putting together a plan. We decided to do a community outreach program, as one more way they can show our support for the kids and families of Poplar Bluff and Butler County.”

Three drop off locations for new or gentle used costumes were set up at The Back Forty Market Boutique, PB Liquidations and the Housing Authority.

“We were very fortunate and grateful for the volunteers who helped us out,” Harper said. “We had no idea that there would be such an amazing turnout and we are looking forward to doing it again next year.”

UCAN Director Melody Chailland, “We are excited about teaming up with another nonprofit to ease some financial burdens of some parents and help the kids find fabulous costumes for Halloween.”

Jennifer Sheridan of ParentLink MU Extension said her organization “is exited to be able to partner with other not-for-profits to provide costumes and other resources for families in our community who might not be able to afford them otherwise.”