A grassroots initiative in Tucson, Arizona, aims to ensure that every child can experience the joy of Halloween, regardless of their family’s financial situation. Abby Splittstoesser, the founder of the mutual aid organization Para Todos, has taken it upon herself to collect and distribute free costumes to those in need. This effort began after she saw numerous social media posts from parents struggling to afford Halloween costumes for their children last year.
Splittstoesser has successfully built an inventory of approximately 40 costumes, catering to sizes from 3T to youth XXL. Her collection features a diverse range of options, including fairy wings, princess outfits, Top Gun pilot uniforms, Ninja Turtle costumes, and Sonic the Hedgehog gear. “The idea behind it is to connect families really anywhere in Southern Arizona, but I’m focusing on South Tucson because we’re lacking in a lot of services and family programs down here,” she explained.
Connecting Families in Need
According to the National Retail Federation, Halloween spending reached a record $13.1 billion in 2023, with $1.4 billion dedicated specifically to children’s costumes. Splittstoesser’s initiative stands in stark contrast to this spending trend, as she provides costumes at no cost to families facing financial hardship. She even offers direct delivery to families residing on Tucson’s Southside.
One mother, Rea Rollins, expressed her gratitude when Splittstoesser delivered a gorilla costume for her nine-year-old daughter. Initially willing to ride the bus to collect the costume, Rollins appreciated the support, saying, “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. I’m thankful for local organizations that help our community.”
So far, seven families have received costumes from Splittstoesser’s collection, with some even returning outgrown costumes to support the initiative. While Para Todos is not yet a registered 501(c)(3) organization, Splittstoesser plans to establish it as a limited liability company (LLC) in the near future.
Future Initiatives to Support Families
Looking ahead, Splittstoesser hopes to introduce monthly birthday parties for children. She identified this as another need in the community, inspired by social media discussions about parents struggling to host birthday celebrations for their kids. “Any kid who has a birthday that month is invited to be celebrated,” she stated, aiming to create an inclusive environment where children can enjoy their special day surrounded by peers.
Splittstoesser believes in the importance of community connections, saying, “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.” As a mother of two young children, she hopes to instill the value of generosity in her kids, teaching them that when they have more than they need, they should share with others.
For those interested in exploring the available costumes, Splittstoesser encourages families to visit the Para Todos Facebook page for more information. This initiative not only provides costumes but also fosters a sense of community support, allowing families to focus on their essential needs while ensuring that children can enjoy the festivities of Halloween.
