A grassroots initiative in Tucson is ensuring that children from low-income families can enjoy Halloween by providing free costumes. Abby Splittstoesser, the founder of the mutual aid organization Para Todos, has created a collection of costumes for children of various sizes, ranging from 3T to youth XXL. This effort emerged after Splittstoesser noticed numerous social media posts last year from parents struggling to afford costumes for their children.
Driven by a desire to help, Splittstoesser began gathering costumes throughout the year, amassing around 40 different options. Her inventory includes a diverse array of outfits, from fairy wings and princess dresses to Top Gun pilot uniforms and Ninja Turtle costumes. “The idea behind it is to connect families really anywhere in Southern Arizona, but I’m focusing on the South of Tucson because we’re lacking in a lot of services and family programs down here,” she explained.
In addition to offering costumes for free, Splittstoesser delivers them directly to families in need, significantly easing the burden on parents. One mother, Rea Rollins, expressed her gratitude after Splittstoesser brought a gorilla costume to her home instead of requiring her to take a bus to collect it. “It really blessed my heart because being a single mom, I often have to juggle between rent and food, or smaller bills and presents/clothes,” Rollins stated.
According to the National Retail Federation, Halloween spending reached a record $13.1 billion this year, with approximately $1.4 billion specifically allocated for children’s costumes. This highlights the significant financial pressures many families face during the holiday season. Splittstoesser aims to alleviate some of this burden by connecting families with resources in their community.
So far, seven families have benefited from her initiative, with some even donating previously outgrown costumes back to Para Todos. While the organization is not yet a certified 501(c)(3), Splittstoesser plans to establish it as an LLC to expand its reach. Looking ahead, she has plans to host monthly birthday parties for children, addressing another need she has observed on social media. “Any kid who has a birthday in that month is invited to be celebrated,” she shared.
Splittstoesser emphasized the importance of community support, stating, “They always say it takes a village, but a lot of people don’t have a village nowadays. So I’m trying to encourage people to get to know your neighbors.” She hopes to instill the value of generosity in her own children, reminding them that sharing excess resources is crucial.
To view the available costumes or to learn more about this initiative, interested families can visit the Para Todos Facebook page and connect with Splittstoesser directly.
This community-driven effort not only provides costumes but also fosters connections among families in Tucson, helping to build a support network for those in need.
