Madison Teen Collects Halloween Costumes for Kids in Need

Clara Forte of Madison spearheaded a Halloween costume drive for kids in need. The 139 costumes, which were collected in the span of one month at the Madison Area YMCA Family Center, F.M. Kirby Children’s Center of the Madison Area YMCA and Tons of Toys, were distributed to New Jersey children through the Jersey Cares Halloween Costume Drive.

“I love holidays and decided to do a Halloween Costume Drive because I wanted to help children who may not be able to afford a Halloween costume have the opportunity to look forward to and enjoy a classic event of childhood without any worry or anxiety about whether or not they will have a costume,” said Clara, who was extremely grateful to those in the community who supported her project and served as collection sites.

“When I thought about potential collection sites, these locations immediately came to mind because of the positive presence they have in our community, particularly with families and children. When I was younger, I attended Kirby and often took classes at the YMCA. I remembered seeing various collection drives and recalled the generosity of the Y community in helping others. With the number of programs offered at the Y geared toward families and young children, I thought the Y would be a great partner for the Halloween Costume Drive,” said the Madison High School freshman.