The Ghostbusters of Daviess County are collecting costumes to help ensure every child can enjoy Halloween without the burden of cost. Now in its fifth year, the group’s annual costume drive is accepting gently used or new costumes of all sizes for distribution to families in need throughout the community.
The effort is led by Donald Hayes, who said the drive grew out of his own experience growing up in a low-income household where store-bought costumes weren’t always an option.
“I loved Halloween, but I hated being the kid who didn’t really have a costume to wear,” Hayes said. “As an adult, I wanted to alleviate that for some kids.”
Hayes first launched the drive as a solo project. In recent years, it has evolved into a group effort with his Ghostbusters-themed cosplay crew, which formally launched three years ago. Though not an official nonprofit, the team regularly appears at community events and fundraisers, from comic conventions and holiday parades to Imagination Library activities.
“We do this all out of the goodness of our hearts,” Hayes said. “We just really enjoy getting out and interacting with kids. They love us and we love making them smile.”
Costumes are currently being collected at Ghostly Productions, a Halloween and mask store located at 203 West 4th Street in downtown Owensboro. Hayes said the group is working to identify more drop-off sites and will share updates on their Facebook page as they become available.
They’re also brainstorming ways to streamline distribution this year. In the past, Hayes personally delivered costumes to local shelters. This year, they’re considering expanding that approach in some capacity.
“I’d love for people to be able to reach out to us personally so we can fulfill specific needs,” he said.
All sizes and styles are welcome, though the main focus is children’s costumes. Hayes said all previously used costumes will be properly cleaned and prepared for their next owner. He also encourages donations of adult costumes, as some older children wear larger sizes, and parents may want to dress up alongside their kids.
Those interested in donating can drop off costumes now through Halloween. Hayes said he’ll continue delivering to families in need up until October 31 if necessary — always in full Ghostbuster uniform.
“We suit up every time we deliver. It’s part of the fun,” he said. “It’s a way to share a little bit of our childhood with the next generation.”
For more information or to request a costume, contact the group at [email protected] or visit them on Facebook.
Hayes added that Ghostbusters of Daviess County will be making an appearance at Ghostly Productions’ Kickoff to Halloween Event on September 6. The event will feature horror icon Douglas Tait, who will be available for autographs and full-costume photo ops as Jason Voorhees and Michael Myers. Vendors will also be set up along St. Ann Street. Tickets are available at ghostlyproductions.org or in store. For updates, visit Ghostly Productions on Facebook.
