A Tucson woman is ensuring that every child experiences the joy of Halloween, regardless of their family’s financial situation. Abby Splittstoesser has launched a grassroots mutual aid organization named Para Todos, which translates to “for all.” This initiative emerged after she observed numerous social media posts from parents struggling to afford Halloween costumes for their children last year.
Splittstoesser began collecting and thrift shopping for costumes, amassing an inventory of approximately 40 options, ranging from size 3T to youth XXL. Now, she is giving away these costumes free of charge to families in need across Southern Arizona, particularly focusing on areas south of Tucson, where services and family programs are limited.
“The idea behind it is to connect families, especially in underserved areas,” Splittstoesser explained. Her collection includes diverse costumes such as fairy wings, princess outfits, Top Gun pilot uniforms, and Sonic the Hedgehog attire. “Parents can focus on their bills, and we hope to fill in the gaps as a community,” she added.
According to the National Retail Federation, Halloween spending reached a staggering $13.1 billion this year, with $1.4 billion specifically allocated for children’s costumes. In response to the community’s needs, Splittstoesser offers direct deliveries of costumes to families residing on Tucson’s Southside.
One mother, Rea Rollins, expressed her gratitude when she was prepared to take the bus to collect a gorilla costume for her 9-year-old daughter. Instead, Splittstoesser delivered it to her home. “It really blessed my heart because being a single mom, I often have to juggle between rent, food, and my daughter’s needs,” Rollins said. “I’m thankful for local organizations that help our community.”
So far, seven families have selected costumes from Splittstoesser’s collection, and some have even donated their children’s outgrown costumes back to the organization. While Para Todos is not currently a registered 501(c)(3) organization, Splittstoesser plans to establish it as an LLC.
Expanding Community Support Initiatives
Looking ahead, Splittstoesser aims to introduce monthly birthday parties for children whose birthdays fall in that month, addressing another need highlighted on social media. “Many parents cannot afford to host birthday parties for their kids,” she noted. “We want to create a space where children can celebrate together, ensuring no one feels left out.”
Her desire to foster community connections is evident. “They always say it takes a village, but many people today lack that support network,” she remarked. With two young children of her own, ages 7 and 4, Splittstoesser is committed to instilling the values of generosity and community support early on. “If we have more than we need, we give to others,” she stated.
For families interested in exploring the available costumes, Splittstoesser encourages them to visit the Para Todos Facebook page and reach out directly.
With her initiative, Splittstoesser not only provides costumes but also builds a sense of community where families can rely on one another, embodying the true spirit of Halloween.
