By Yocelyn Perez Posted December 20, 2024
The Communities in Schools has once again volunteered to support local children in need by organizing a Halloween costume drive. Organized by Jessica Sherburn of Bella Grazia, this initiative has become a beloved annual tradition.
For the past four years, Sherburn has dedicated her time and efforts to creating an opportunity for children to receive costumes they might not otherwise be able to afford. Many families struggle with the costs associated with Halloween, making this drive especially important for those in need.
As the drive has grown in popularity, Sherburn has enlisted the help of local organizations to expand its reach and impact. This year, Marcel Johnson from Communities In Schools joined the effort, lending her support in coordinating the collection and distribution of costumes. Johnson worked with schools and other community groups to gather donations from across the town, ultimately organizing a special event where children could “shop” for their costumes.
In addition to the costume donations, a fun surprise awaited the children—each participant’s name was entered into a drawing for a chance to win a gift card. This year’s drive was a huge success, benefiting dozens of local families.
“I believe we were able to help over 40-50 families this year,” said Johnson, reflecting on the tremendous impact of the drive.
The true reward, however, comes from the joy on the children’s faces as they find their perfect costume. According to Johnson, witnessing their excitement makes all the hard work worthwhile.
“Seeing the kids pick out their favorite costume, put it on, and light up with excitement really warms our hearts,” said Johnson.
Thanks to the generosity of community members and the hard work of organizers like Sherburn and Johnson, this Halloween costume drive brightened the holiday for many children in Winnemucca, creating lasting memories and ensuring that everyone has the chance to enjoy the magic of Halloween.
