Halloween is just around the corner - As we approach the second week of October, I'm reminded that the one day of the calendar year where children are allowed to ingest far more candy than they should be able to is rapidly approaching. Given the high unemployment rate and the well-documented struggles of the U.S. economy, purchasing a Halloween costume for a family struggling to make ends meet on a day to day basis can be a daunting task. This is where the non-profit FROM THE PUMPKIN PATCH steps in to lend a helping hand.
Many children don't have costumes to be able to join their friends for a night of "trick or treating". Finding a solution to ensure that every child who wants a costume for that special day could have one is what motivated Merritt Friedman and her husband Adam Pearson to start FROM THE PUMPKIN PATCH. For the past six years, they have collected costumes throughout the year, with a huge push during late September and early October, in preparation of the annual costume giveaway. When asked what gave her the idea of creating FROM THE PUMPKIN PATCH, Ms. Friedman said that it all started when she and her husband were handing out treats to children on a Halloween night. They noticed that some of the children didn't have costumes and realized that there was a need that wasn't quite being met.
How can you help? In advance of the big costume giveway, you can assist by looking through your closets, attics, and basments for any old costumes, athletic uniforms, costume jewelry, accessories, etc, and asking your friends, family members and colleagues to do the same. Most costumes are worn only one time for a couple of hours and are in perfect shape to give to a child in need. You can assist by dropping off costumes at the various drop off centers, located throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. If there is not a drop-off center located close to you and you'd still like to help, please send me an email at john.white@realestate.com and I can make arrangements to have your costume donation picked up at a location that is convenient for you.
The excitement of Halloween - The big costume giveway will take place at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium, located at 50 East Merrimack Street in Lowell, Massachusetts on Saturday, October 30, 2010. The event is open to all. If you'd like to volunteer and assist the children with picking out that perfect costume, set up will be from 8am to 10am and the costume giveway will take place from 10am to 2pm. You can email Merritt Friedman at merritt@fromthepumpkinpatch.org if you have any questions or would like to assist with this great cause.
One final way to help the cause - I would be most appreciative of any of my fellow Acive Rain members who live in New England would re-post my blog to ensure that we can reach as many people as possible. Thank you.
Here is hoping that you, your children, and all the children have a great Halloween and have many great memories of their night out and their new, great costume.
Respectully,
John E. White
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