Here’s what to do with all of those Halloween costumes
Sure, you can stash them in a bin in your kids’ playroom hoping that they’ll rediscover them and play dress up for hours on end, or, you can be super realistic and come to terms with the fact that they’ll likely never wear them again. And in that case, we have a new swap program for you created by the eco-friendly parks director at the Town of Riverhead Parks and Recreation.
“As someone who is eco-conscious, I'm always looking for sustainable ideas and programs to bring to our Recreation Department to offer to the community,” Director of Riverhead Parks and Recreation, Ashley Schandel told us. “I did some online searching and stumbled upon the [swap] idea from Evanston, IL. I thought it would be awesome as I have two young kids and thought many people would enjoy the concept as well.”
The Halloween costume swap encourages participants to donate gently used costumes (no DIY or dance costumes) in return for a swap voucher which can then be used to choose a new-to-you costume at the swap event on October 9 to 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Riverhead Town Hall located at 4 West 2nd St., Riverhead.
“Participants may also donate costumes without receiving a voucher if they choose,” added Ashley. “I'm hoping the swap encourages people to rethink throwing out their old costumes or just tossing them in a donation dumpster. We want to see them go to families who need them while keeping them out of the landfill.”
This swap donation and event is open to everyone regardless of town of residency. All size and gender costumes that are gently used and clean will be accepted, along with any coordinating or Halloween accessories. The donation drop-off will run through September and can be dropped off at Riverhead Town Hall’s 2nd Floor Recreation Department Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
However, if a family does not have a costume to donate but would like to “shop” the swap event there is another option available.
Ashley shared, “If a family cannot turn in a costume for a swap, they are welcome to come on the last day with a nonperishable food item to swap for a costume. We will be donating any food received to a local food pantry.”
Ashley and her team are eager to make this first swap event a success. At the swap, they are planning to arrange costumes by size, and if they receive a lot they may even organize by character or theme.
For Halloween Costume Swap questions, contact Ashley Schandel at 631-727-3200 x733 or email her at schandel@townofriverheadny.gov.