A grassroots initiative in Tucson, Arizona, is providing free Halloween costumes to families facing financial difficulties. Abby Splittstoesser launched her organization, Para Todos, meaning “for all,” after witnessing parents struggling to afford costumes for their children last year.
The initiative began with Splittstoesser collecting and thrift shopping for costumes throughout the year. She has managed to accumulate an inventory of around 40 costumes, available in sizes ranging from 3T to youth XXL. The costumes include a diverse array of options such as fairy wings, princess outfits, and characters from popular culture like Ninja Turtles and Sonic the Hedgehog.
Connecting Families in Southern Arizona
Splittstoesser’s goal is to connect families across Southern Arizona, with a specific focus on the underserved areas south of Tucson. She emphasizes the importance of community support, stating, “Parents can focus on their bills that they gotta pay and then hopefully we can fill in the gaps as a community.”
According to the National Retail Federation, Halloween spending reached a staggering $13.1 billion this year, with $1.4 billion earmarked specifically for children’s costumes. This underscores the significant financial burden Halloween can impose on families, making initiatives like Para Todos even more crucial.
Splittstoesser offers direct delivery of costumes to families, alleviating the need for them to travel. One mother, Rea Rollins, expressed her gratitude, stating that as a single parent, she often struggles to balance rent and food with her children’s needs. Rollins was initially prepared to ride the bus to collect a costume for her daughter but was pleasantly surprised when Splittstoesser delivered it personally.
Future Plans for Community Engagement
So far, seven families have benefited from the costume collection, with some parents even donating outgrown costumes back to the project. Although Para Todos is not a registered 501(c)(3) organization yet, Splittstoesser plans to transition it into an LLC.
Looking ahead, she envisions organizing monthly birthday parties for children, addressing another community need highlighted in social media discussions. “Any kid who has a birthday in that month is invited to be celebrated,” she explained. This initiative aims to foster a sense of community and ensure that no child feels alone on their special day.
Splittstoesser, who has a 7-year-old and a 4-year-old, hopes to instill the value of generosity in her children, teaching them that sharing with others is essential when one has more than enough.
For families interested in exploring the available costumes, Splittstoesser encourages them to visit the Para Todos Facebook page. Her efforts emphasize the importance of community connections and support, aiming to ensure every child can enjoy the magic of Halloween, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
