All treats for area kids
Low-income families get free costumes
Grinning from ear to ear with their prized princess gowns, vampire cloaks and Batman masks, more than 200 kids from low-income families got a real treat ahead of Halloween yesterday when they got to take home a free costume thanks to big-hearted donors.
The more than 500 donated costumes collected by officials at Interfaith Social Services Food Pantry in Quincy allowed the scores of youngsters to pick from a wide array of colorful suits, princess dresses, superhero costumes and witch hats. Organizers say the annual drive makes Halloween extra special for local kids whose parents are otherwise unable to get them a costume to wear while trick-or-treating with their friends.
“Every day, we’re feeding our clients with food. This is something where we can give joy to kids,” Interfaith Social Services’ Executive Director Rick Doane told the Herald. “For family having a tough time putting food on the table, a Halloween costume is a luxury.”
This is the sixth year the pantry has hosted the costume give-away and Doane said 250 kids registered for the program, which was open to children 12 and under.
Many of the low-income residents who turned out to collect a costume yesterday said they were relieved to know their kids would have a happy Halloween.
“It’s great. He can be a part of Halloween,” said Debra Egan, whose 7-year-old son, David Rittenberg, picked out a red ninja costume.
“Even something as small as that means something big to our family.”
Jeremya Wooten, 4, decided to be Batman for Halloween, and his mother, Nicole Cincotta, said she would dress up as Poison Ivy and deck her baby daughter out as Harley Quinn so they could match while they trick-or-treat together.
“The costumes are a huge help,” Cincotta said. “They are getting expensive, so this is great.”
Nikecia Gadson of Randolph said many people don’t realize how hard it can be for struggling families to get their kids the costumes they want.
“It helps us a lot,” she said. “For four kids at the regular store, we usually pay $30 a kid. That’s over $100 we saved in one day.”
Jessica Rios of Braintree agreed.
“I’m having a hard time right now with my kids,” Rios. “Seeing her happy, I love it.”