About October's Child

October’s Child, Inc. is a nonprofit dedicated to making Halloween inclusive, joyful, and unforgettable.

Since our first costume giveaway in 2017, we’ve expanded from 60 costumes to more than 2,000, serving families across the community. With partnerships ranging from Habitat for Humanity ReStore to Texas Roadhouse, and the support of over 30 volunteers, we’ve transformed what was once a neighborhood garage project into a large-scale annual event.

Now entering our ninth year, October’s Child continues to grow. With nonprofit status underway, expanded storage, and a dedicated website, our vision is clear: to create lasting memories for children and families, one costume at a time.

Our Story

In 2016, our founder moved into a new neighborhood and welcomed trick-or-treaters for the first time. Seeing children admire the elaborate costumes of others sparked a memory—growing up without “store-bought” costumes and wishing for something special. From that spark came an idea: what if every child could have the chance to dress up, imagine, and celebrate Halloween without limits?

The next year, a garage full of thrifted, cleaned, and repaired costumes turned into the first free giveaway. Word spread quickly—families lined up, children from a foster home arrived with handmade thank-you cards, and the joy and laughter inspired a tradition that has grown every year since.

By 2020, October’s Child had become more than one person’s effort. Volunteers, friends, and community partners joined in, and local churches and schools opened their spaces to host the growing event. Even during the pandemic, families came together safely—reminded that if you’re going to wear a mask, you might as well make it a fun one. Pet costumes even became one of the most popular requests!

As the event grew, so did community support. Habitat for Humanity ReStore donated rolling racks to display costumes. Local restaurants like Texas Roadhouse contributed gift cards to share with families. Volunteers stepped up to help sort, set up tents, and make the event run smoothly. What began with a few dozen costumes has now expanded to thousands, with families returning year after year to find something new—and often bringing back costumes from previous years to pass along to others.

In 2023, October’s Child officially became a nonprofit. With an EIN secured and 501(c)(3) status in progress, we are laying the groundwork to expand our impact. Today, we operate with storage facilities, tents, racks, and the support of more than 30 volunteers. At our 2024 event, we gave away nearly 2,200 costumes—along with Christmas sweaters, décor, and countless smiles.

Our mission is simple: to create an inclusive, joyful Halloween for every child. We believe costumes are more than fabric and thread—they’re a doorway to imagination, a chance for children to become superheroes, princesses, monsters, or anything they dream of. And for families, the event is more than a giveaway—it’s a celebration of community.

Now preparing for our 9th Annual Costume Giveaway in September 2025, October’s Child has more than 2,000 costumes ready and counting. With a new website on the way, we’re excited to reach more families, connect with new partners, and continue to grow this tradition of generosity and joy.

At October’s Child, we believe that when children are given the chance to imagine, the whole community comes alive.