7 Ways To Give Back On Halloween

When you're a kid, Halloween is all about receiving: scares, costumes, and of course, candy. If you want Halloween for you and your kids to include some treats for all, here are some Impact-approved tips for giving back on All Hallows' Eve:

1) Head to The Salvation Army or Goodwill for your costume. You'll save the money that you would spend on an expensive costume from a shop and you'll be supporting an organization that provides great benefits to lower-income households. This step is especially helpful if your planned Halloween costume is a 70s disco fanatic or indie hipster.

2) Donate candy to children and soldiers. Operation Gratitude sends care packages to members of the military and are happy to include leftover Halloween candy. Most of their packages can be shipped for $11 or less.

Most food banks collect leftover candy for children, and local schools often participate in post-Halloween collection as well. Call your local school district or food bank for available programs.

3) Take part in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. Since 1950, families across America have raised over $144 million for UNICEF by collecting money on Halloween. You can order an orange box to collect money through October 30 or make your own collection box.

4) Participate in Sight Night. Every Halloween, Lions Club International hosts a fundraiser for eyeglasses. On Sight Night (Halloween), trick-or-treaters are encouraged to ask for used eyeglasses to give to the needy (it helps if you put up fliers or notify your neighborhood first).

5) Support A Cause Through SocialVibe's Click4Good campaign. This online trick-or-treating game allows users to give clean water to developing nations, provide care to children affected by AIDS, or contribute to cancer research, just through the act of clicking.

6) If you want to give back but aren't sure where to begin, using AllForGood.org's search tool can narrow down volunteer opportunities in your area. Enter your zip code and then search for Halloween.

7) Host a Halloween Party for a nonprofit. Whether it's human rights, free clinics, the environment, or homelessness, a Halloween party is a great way to support your cause of choice. Tell your guests to forgo the bottle of wine and bring $10 instead to go into a collection box. Get into the spirit by dressing up as your favorite changemaker. (Nicholas Kristof is the trendiest costume this year).

Comments

[Pema]

mr harris. one thing that would be huge is not to have images of black cats, who are subjected to cruelty every halloween. i love black domestics they are the sweetest cat breed ever. (except other hp readers cats of course!!!) i people speak up when you see blac cats in halloween displays. dont buy halloween things with black cats on them. hit them in their pocet book since morality isnt happening.

[T Pol]

Very nice post. Good idea to notify the neighbors about trick or treating for UNICEF as well. One, so change will be handy. Two, some people are, understandably, leery about being asked for money at the door.

[goodnews7]

These are great ideas about giving back, if more of us just stop to reflect on the important things...the world would be a much better place for all of us.