Leo's Halloween Costume Drive is Underway in Stillwater

Cory Buettner is carrying on a Halloween tradition.

From now until Halloween will give out gift certificates for free malts in exchange for the donation of a new or clean, gently-used Halloween costume.

The goal is to help every child in the have a chance to trick or treat in a costume of their choice.

“It is important to us because it helps take financial constraints out of holidays for some kids in our community,” Buettner said. “In this economy we hope to ease the load on parents who may be feeling pressure."

It also is good to recycle some of those gently used costumes, which may have only been worn a handful of times, Buettner said.

The owners of Lily's Grill & Malt Shop, Jennifer and Chris Cosgrove started the Halloween Costume Drive years ago. Leo's has continued the tradition with the current event marking the 4th Annual costume drive for Valley Outreach's clothing-shelf program, Dawn's Closet.

In years past, more than 100 costumes have been collected, Buettner said. And that is the goal again.

“We are hoping to see some of those costumes, and kids having fun on Halloween Weekend on Main Street (Saturday, Oct. 29 and Sunday Oct. 30) when Main Street Merchants are welcoming tick or treaters,” Buettner said.

Collaborations Boutique is helping Buettner by collecting the costumes that will be made available through Dawn’s Closet of Valley Outreach.

When and Where to Donate Costumes:

• Collaboration is accepting donations daily from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.
• Costumes also can be dropped off at Valley Outreach:

* Mondays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and again from 6-8 p.m.

* Wednesdays from 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

* Thursdays from 6-8 p.m.

* Fridays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.