The Bakersfield Homeless Center is in need of donations of food, pumpkins, costumes, or carnival booth volunteers for its annual Halloween Spooktacular Carnival from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24.

“We need the community’s help to give our homeless kids a safe and fun Halloween,” said event coordinator Barbara Paulson. “Community members can help make that happen by donating costumes and candy or healthy snacks.”

BHC staff member Jerri Alvarado said, “Costumes are so important to the kids, but most of them will not have an opportunity to go shopping for one of their own: Their parents simply cannot afford to purchase costumes. Costumes of all styles and sizes are welcome.  We need about 150 to outfit our kids for the Halloween Carnival.”

Paulson said, “It is wonderful to hear the kids laugh and see their absolute delight in dressing up for Halloween.”

A big hit each year is the Haunted House created and staffed by local Chevron employees.

“For these children, BHC is their neighborhood – BHC is home.  Nearly 100 children live here every night and more than 100 are enrolled in our Aftercare Program. Year after year, our community partners and friends have recognized the special needs of homeless kids around holiday events and have helped sponsor this event,” Paulson said.

To donate items or volunteer time for the Bakersfield Homeless Center Halloween Spooktacular Carnival, call Jerri Alvarado at 322-9199 ext 110.

– From a press release from the Bakersfield Homeless Center