By SDCN Editor
San Diego, CA–Halloween is around the corner, and families are picking out decorations and costumes for their kids.
However, for many local military families dealing with financial challenges and the rising cost of living, buying Halloween costumes might be a lower priority.
To help relieve this financial strain, the non-profit Support the Enlisted Project (STEP) is hosting its inaugural “Halloween Costume Drive” to collect new or gently used costumes through Sept. 30. The organization aims to collect 600 age-appropriate costumes for children ages 0-13. Once the drive is complete, the costumes collected will be distributed at STEP’s monthly distribution event on Oct. 19.
“Our team of veterans and military allies here at STEP know the financial challenges that come with service,” says Tony Teravainen, CEO and co-founder, STEP. “From relocation to deployment, there are many reasons why military families face financial stress and find it difficult to prepare for holiday purchases. We provide military families with financial education and support to lighten their load with essential supplies so they don’t have to choose between spending money on a Halloween costume or putting food on the table.”
The public can make donations at STEP’s warehouse at 9915 Businesspark Ave. Suite A in San Diego, and at The Barron Team’s office at 10085 Carroll Canyon Rd. Suite 100 in the Scripps Ranch area. Donors can also purchase costumes online from the comfort of their homes at STEP’s virtual store, as well as make monetary donations directly to the non-profit by check or credit card to help the organization purchase costumes in time to meet its campaign goal.
Community partners for STEP’s first-ever “Halloween Costume Drive” includes Del Mar Solana Beach Rotary and The Barron Team.
To donate, visit teamstepusa.org/costumedrive.
