Kelowna

Students at Rutland Elementary School hope the generous donations from the first year of its costume drive will continue this year as kids prepare for Halloween.

Photo: Contributed

Rutland Elementary School We Day team students pose with the costume drop-off hamper.

The school encourages community members to come forward and donate “gently” used costumes so that the students can enjoy the candy-filled day next Wednesday.

“Many families in our community are unable to afford to buy store-bought Halloween costumes for their children,” says social justice club teacher Stefani Oakes. “Halloween should be a fun and exciting time for children, and dressing up is a big part of that.”

The school will have a drop box located in the school foyer until Friday, October 26. The following day, costumes will be given to those in need, at Rutland Elementary School from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

Grade 6 student Talia Chernoff came up with the idea of the costume drive last year, collecting more than 100 costumes and accessories with the help of her mother.

“It was an amazing experience for the students to be able to give back to their community,” says Oakes. “It was very inspiring.”

Those with questions, concerns, or interested in helping out can contact Oakes at
stefani.oakes@sd23.bc.ca.