Interfaith Social Services distributed Halloween costumes to children in need

Volunteers assist more than 200 children as they select Halloween costumes

Hundreds of local children in need will be able to dress up and join their friends in Halloween festivities this year, thanks to generous donors to Interfaith Social Services’ annual Halloween Costume Drive.

Nearly 30 volunteers assisted Saturday, October 20, in a costume distribution day at Interfaith’s offices in Quincy, helping families browse the racks and tables full of donated costumes, looking for the perfect match.

“Each year our food pantry provides groceries to thousands of local kids. We are always looking for ways where we can bring a little joy to their lives as well,” said Interfaith’s executive director Rick Doane. “Many of these children are living in difficult situations. It is so incredible to see the excitement on their faces when they find that perfect costume. We’re so grateful for all the amazing donors and volunteers who make this program possible.”

Interfaith Social Services operates one of the largest emergency food programs in Greater Boston as well as a mental health counseling center and homelessness prevention program. Interfaith’s programs are a safety net for thousands of children and families from the South Shore who are struggling to make ends meet. The costume drive was open to Interfaith’s food pantry clients.

Hundreds of costumes were donated to the program by individuals and businesses, many of whom ran costume drives at their organizations. Local groups that ran drives include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Quincy office), South Shore Medical Center, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C., The Woodward School, Bay Farm Montessori Academy, Plymouth River School, Martignetti Companies, TechTarget, First Congregational Braintree and Saint Joseph Parish. Stop & Shop’s Marketing Department also contributed 50 large pumpkins for families to take home and carve.

About Interfaith Social Services

Founded in 1947, Interfaith Social Services’ mission is to improve life for South Shore families and individuals in need. Programs include one of the largest food pantries in Greater Boston; budget counseling and homelessness prevention; The New Directions Counseling center, community gardening; free professional attire for job interviews, life skills workshops, and The Bureau Drawer Thrift Shop – operated entirely by volunteers with all sales benefiting Interfaith’s programs. Clothing and food donations from the community are always welcome. For more information, or to inquire about volunteering with Interfaith, please visit: www.InterfaithSocialServices.org.