Florida Nonprofit Treats Needy Children To Costumes

For many families this year, Halloween costumes will be yet another luxury to forgo. However, trick-or-treating will be made possible for many thanks to Neat Stuff, a Florida-based nonprofit that provides foster and needy children with new clothing. At least 200 kids will be able to dress up and masquerade thanks to a costume giveaway at the organization's store in Allapattah.

Created in 1995, Neat Stuff is the only agency of its kind in South Florida, with a mission to provide brand-new clothing and accessories to disadvantaged and abused children to give them a sense of pride and inspire their self-worth. The organization distributed $1.5 million worth of new clothes last year, with an average of 7,000 to 8,000 children "shopping" at Neat Stuff's store yearly.

What's so significant about the organization is that 95 percent of every dollar goes to services for children, with only 5 percent going towards administrative costs. Neat Stuff runs on 100 percent private funds, with a majority coming from grants.

Florida ranks fourth in the country with the percentage of children in foster care, with 23,000 kids in 2008. More than 4,500 children enter the foster care system in South Florida every year.

You can help by donating new clothes, shoes, toys and school supplies or by volunteering here. Monetary donations are also welcome.

Comments

[jukesgrrl]

04:55 PM on 10/24/2009

I think it's sad that kids think they have to have PURCHASED Halloween costumes. Whatever happened to using your creativity to MAKE a costume? It would benefit kids twice if they were given the help and inspiration to be inventive. All kids should be encouraged not to BUY fun. There are even instructions on YouTube for kids with computer access to get ideas.

[Whitley2009]

10:29 PM on 10/24/2009

When I was little boy in the schools of rural N.C., we made all of our Halloween costumes. That was part of the fun. I used to make a real mean pirate sword made of cardboard and aluminum foil, and a cloth patch that covered done eye. My hat was made from paper, and I wore a large bandana around mu waist. Arrr, me hardies!

I guess we have moved too far away from family craftsmanship in teaching kids to make things. Now, they just go to the local dollar store and buy Chinese junk for their celebrations.

[Whitley2009]

10:30 PM on 10/24/2009

Pardon the typos, it's late and my old eyes do not proof read very well....

[MrBwood]

02:27 PM on 10/24/2009

How about housing, health care, education? Naw let's divert their attention with a costume and sugar. I
h8 this business of giving kids presents and junk like that. Yet denying them the basics

[aweissnet]

02:15 PM on 10/24/2009

Halloween is a frivolous tradition, and a waste of money. No need to fund it further. Give them usable clothing, year round. Who does this benefit anyway?

[JL-Sosa]

10:00 AM on 10/24/2009

I've got to say I have mixed sentiments here... I live in South Florida (Miami), one of the poorest cities in the USA, and think those kids would be much better served by being given real clothes, can't wear a pirate costume to school...

BUT, I was a kid not all that long ago and used to love Halloween so maybe I should just shut up and smile!

[ObamAtomic]

11:31 AM on 10/24/2009

Miami is not poorest by any stretch of imagination,one of the wealthiest city on the nation
but with a higher percent of the poorest people on the nation .

[ObamAtomic]

11:31 AM on 10/24/2009

Miami is not poorest by any stretch of imagination,one of the wealthiest city on the nation
but with a higher percent of the poorest people on the nation .

[brady61995]

07:53 PM on 10/23/2009

thats killer ! good for them. more people need to get up and help out with kids. they are the future.