NEWS

Ten Easy Halloween Costume Ideas from Goodwill

10/19/2010

The economy is slowly recovering, but people are still looking for ways to get the most value for their dollar. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans will spend $66.28 on Halloween costumes, candy and décor this year — up from last year’s $56.31 and close to 2008’s average of $66.54.  The survey also found that people will be cautious about their Halloween spending and will try to save money where they can. Those families seeking affordable costumes and décor need to look no further than any one of the 36 Goodwill stores in northwest North Carolina.

“All you need is a little imagination to find the elements you need to create a unique costume at Goodwill,” said Jaymie Eichorn, Goodwill director of marketing. “Your purchases will help fund our training, career services and other community-based programs, which help people in our community find jobs and get back on their feet.”

Goodwill is well-established as the go-to place for costumes. Children can transform into superheroes, princesses or whatever else they may want to be for Halloween. There are also many opportunities for adults to join in the fun and get dressed up for the holiday. Here are ten easy and affordable ideas to build a costume at Goodwill:

1. Cowboy – Find jeans, a plaid shirt, a vest, a bandana and a hat, and you’ll be ready for the open range.
2. Greek God or Goddess – Pick up a sheet to wear as a toga, grab some artificial leaves to make a headdress, and add a pair of sandals to complete the look.
3. Princess – Find a full skirt or ball gown, add a tiara, and you’ll be ready for the ball.
4. Charlie Brown – Grab a yellow t-shirt and draw or sew the zig-zag print. Pair this with black shorts, and the look will be complete.
5. School Nerd – Find a pair of tight jeans and roll up the pant legs. Add a white shirt, pocket protector and heavy-rimmed glasses. Carry an apple to become the teacher’s pet.
6. Witch – Start with black pants and a shirt, or a black dress. Put on your witch's hat and grab your broom for some high-flying fun.
7. Traffic light – Start with a black sweat suit. Cut three circles of red, yellow and green fabric or felt. Glue these onto your outfit and get ready to stop traffic.
8. Skunk – Glue or sew a white strip of fabric or fake fur to the back of a black sweat suit or a black dress and get ready to prowl for your sweets. 
9. Crayon – Find a solid-colored sweat suit. Paint or use a magic marker to print the word, "crayon" in large black letters down the length of the suit. Going with the same color scheme, create a pointed hat in the same color. Team up with friends to create a rainbow.
10. Fisherman – Find boots, a yellow slicker or vest, jeans, a shirt, and suspenders, and accessorize with a fishing pole. Add a hat adorned with flies to complete the look.

Revenues from purchases at Goodwill stores fund programs for people with disabilities, those who lack education or work experience, and others facing challenges to finding employment. Goodwill channels 90 percent of its revenues into employment programs that benefit over 40,000 people in northwest North Carolina each year.  For more information on Goodwill’s services or to find the store nearest you, visit www.goodwillhalloween.org. 

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