DUNMORE, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) \u2014 The Greater Scranton YMCA has launched its annual Halloween Costume Drive, collecting new and gently used costumes for community members of all ages through Oct. 11.<\/p>\n
The YMCA is accepting costumes in all sizes at its Welcome Center in Dunmore during regular business hours. Organizers are encouraging people to donate costumes they no longer need so they can be passed along and worn again.<\/p>\n
Colleen Burns Ecklund, director of marketing and development for the Y, said the community was already showing strong support for the drive on its opening day, with costumes beginning to come in.<\/p>\n
“This time of year can be really tough, with back-to-school season, then Halloween, and the holidays very shortly thereafter. It can get pretty expensive pretty fast for families, especially those who have more than one child. We\u2019re really proud that not only are we giving these costumes a second life, but we\u2019re also able to ease that financial burden a little bit for families,” said Burns Ecklund.<\/p>\n
Burns Ecklund added that costumes often go unused after one Halloween as children outgrow them or their interests change.<\/p>\n
The YMCA will distribute the collected costumes back to the community free of charge from Oct. 12 through Oct. 17 at the Welcome Center, with no appointment required.<\/p>\n
Donations and pickups are available during the YMCA\u2019s regular business hours: Monday through Thursday from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.<\/p>\n
Anyone interested in donating can bring costumes to 706 North Blakely Street. Community members looking for a costume can visit the YMCA during the distribution period from Oct. 12 through Oct. 17.<\/p>\n