Bringing Halloween Magic to Families at the Salvation Army Shelter

This fall, Children’s Fund helped bring a little extra magic to families staying at the Salvation Army shelter by providing 56 Halloween costumes for children of all ages. For many families facing hardship, purchasing a costume simply wasn’t possible, but thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, every child who wanted to celebrate had the chance to feel included, seen, and excited for the holiday.

One of those children was a baby boy celebrating his very first Halloween. His mom shared a heartfelt note of gratitude, capturing the impact of something as small as a costume during a challenging season in their lives:

“Thank you for the generous Halloween costume donations to our shelter. I'm a single mom to a baby boy who is 10 months old and this is his first Halloween! You guys gave us the cutest Sully costume that fits him and his pretty blue eyes perfectly! He won't remember this Halloween but thanks to you all, in the future when he asks about his first Halloween I will have cute Sully pictures to show him.”

Her words remind us that even the simplest moments can hold incredible meaning. A costume isn’t just clothing, it’s a chance for a child to play, imagine, and feel special. It’s an opportunity for a parent to share a joyful memory during a time that may otherwise feel uncertain.

Because of your support, 56 children experienced the joy of Halloween, complete with smiles, photos, laughter, and a moment of normalcy. You helped create memories that these families will cherish far beyond the holiday.

Thank you for continuing to bring hope, dignity, and childhood magic to the kids who need it most.