Texas Student's Y'alloween Nonprofit Expands to New Cities, Spreading Halloween Joy

The Genesis of Y'alloween

• 💡 BJ Roddinghouse, inspired by his childhood love for Halloween, founded Y'alloween as a freshman in high school.
• 🎯 The nonprofit's mission is to collect and donate brand new Halloween costumes to children whose families cannot afford them.
• 💰 The high cost of costumes, often $50-$60, can be a significant barrier for many families, prompting BJ's initiative.

Costume Donation Process

• 📦 Costumes are sourced through an Amazon wish list and community donations, ensuring they are always new.
• 🎁 Each costume is packaged with small goodies before being distributed.
• 🏥 Donations are delivered to shelters and domestic violence centers.
• 🔒 BJ and his team intentionally do not meet the children receiving the costumes to ensure the safety and anonymity of the families.

Growth and Expansion

• 📈 Y'alloween has seen significant growth, starting with 50 costumes in its first year and reaching about 400 last year.
• 📍 The nonprofit currently makes drop-offs in Houston, Austin, and College Station.
• 🚀 BJ, now a freshman at Texas A&M, aims to establish student-run branches in every major Texas city, including Dallas, Lubbock, Amarillo, and El Paso.