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Host A Halloween Party at a Local Children’s Center.

The smell of pumpkin spice is in the air, and while we may be planning our Halloween costumes and carving pumpkins, there is a good chance a number of children in our communities are worrying about whether or not they’ll see their parents again, or where their next meal is coming from.

That’s why this Halloween we are putting it to our ambassadors to bring some normalcy and fun to the children in local Child Centers and Shelters, by giving companionship as well as holiday inspiration to those who have experienced trauma or neglect. And who doesn’t love a good Halloween party?

Children’s Centers and similar organizations nation-wide to offer free services, and often times shelter to children suffering from extreme poverty, mental illness, disabilities, or those who have been victims of crime, abuse or trafficking.

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Rehabilitation services revolve around the collective volunteer efforts of the community. Community members find ways to bring opportunity and creativity to the lives of children less fortunate than most and as it turns out, everyone has something to offer. Some donors and or volunteers help children in need by sponsoring field trips to experience the arts, or by offering a talent and some time by giving free haircuts, cooking a meal, teaching a class, or hosting a craft day.

While most of these organizations require a formal application process for consistent volunteer work, many alternatively offer a “single-event” volunteer opportunity, where groups or individuals can plan an activity, workshop or special event to do with the children at the center. Generally, a single-event contribution requires little to no paperwork prior, and with the help of a parent, kiddos are encouraged to host.

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Items Needed:

  1. A Children’s Center, Children’s Shelter, or Refugee Center in your community open to “single-event” volunteering. Some examples of these type of centers are:
  2. Some craft supplies for simple and inexpensive spook-tacular Halloween crafts (ideas below)
  3. Extra Halloween candy to share
  4. Anything else you want to bring to your party (a family-friendly Halloween movie to play, a costume, some popcorn….)

How to do this Month’s Challenge:

  1. Have a parent or guardian help you locate and contact your local centers to inquire about hosting a Halloween craft party. Pick one and secure your date.

*If you’re not able to host or have time-restraints don’t worry! Put together a box with raw supplies for one of the craft ideas below, and coordinate drop off at a local center. Craft supplies are always on a center’s wish list, especially during the holidays.

  1. Find out from the volunteer coordinator how many children are expected to attend and come prepared with supplies. Here are some fun craft ideas to get your monster bash going!
    1. Spider Slime
    2. Moon Silhouette Plates
    3. Q-Tip Skeletons
    4. Yarn Pumpkin Garlands
    5. Mini-Mummy Piñatas
  2. Don’t forget some extra candy to hand out, and if the center allows it, a G-rated Halloween movie to share.
  3. Have fun with your new friends!
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Reflection Questions:

  1. What do you like about Halloween?
  2. How would it make you feel if you couldn’t go trick-or-treating this year?
  3. What did the children at the center like about your party?
  4. How do you think it made them feel when you shared your holiday with them?
  5. What’s the best thing about making a new friend?
  6. Did you learn anything new from your new friends at the center?
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