Options to help others this Halloween

Halloween is fast approaching. It’s always a fun time for kids who go out trick-or-treating and also for adults to enjoy the Halloween parties. And many people also enjoy decorating their homes for the holiday.
All of these are fun events to be enjoyed. This year, however, there are a couple of new events in the area that will not only be fun, but make you feel good about helping others.
Next Wednesday, the Kasson-Mantorville Ministerial group is inviting all 5th to 12th graders, and any adults who want to come along, to join in “Boo for Food.”
This event has been a success in other communities and is basically when the students get together and go trick-or-treating but instead of candy, they are looking for food. Food that will be donated to local food shelves.
It’s really very simple. If you are interested in donating non-perishable food items, or making a financial donation, you can either leave your donation at your front door or leave your front light on. That will let the students know they can stop by for your donation.
For this first Boo for Food in Kasson, those interested in helping to collect donations should meet at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 301 8th Ave. NW. before 6 p.m. Groups will be organized and will be out collecting donations from 6 to 8 p.m.
Organizers also point out that each group will have adult leaders.
There is another opportunity to help your neighbors on Saturday, October 28, when the Kasson Hy-Vee and Dodge County Salvation Army are having the first annual Community Winter Gear, Food & Hygiene Drive.
That is the day that food, hygiene, and winter clothing items can be dropped off in front of the Kasson Hy-Vee Store. Organizers ask that freshly cleaned coats be bagged before dropping them off. There will be volunteers available to help with your donation.
Winter gear needed includes boots, coats, snow pants, hats, gloves and scarves.
There is a lengthy list of food items including flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda and baking powder, powdered sugar, cooking oil, cake/brownie mix, cake frosting, pasta noodles, pasta sauce, peanut butter, instant potatoes, canned fruit, veggies, soup, beans, and meat, cereal, pancake mix and syrup, Hamburger Helper meals, and condiments like ketchup, mustard, mayo, dressings, and jelly.
These items will be distributed by the Salvation Army from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 2, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kasson.
If you have any questions you can contact Tanya Young at 316-390-5368 or tyoung8550@yahoo.com.
Halloween will soon be over and then we almost immediately move into the Christmas season. In fact, some stores are already stocking their Christmas items next to those for Halloween.
Christmas is always a time when Americans open their hearts and pockets to help those in need.
The needs are great so this year is a perfect time to start the process a little bit earlier.
And it still leaves plenty of time for those other fun Halloween activities.