With Halloween lurking right around the corner, the elation of children in the Tri-Town is almost tangible. Whether making or buying costumes, children everywhere are excited to go house to house receiving candy from their friends and neighbors.
For many, going to the local parade to show off their costumes has become a tradition. For some families, however, purchasing a Halloween costume can be an economic difficulty, and many children in Tri-Town don’t get to celebrate Halloween like the rest of their friends do.
That’s where the Old Rochester Regional National Honor Society (NHS) comes in.
The group, which is comprised of well-rounded high school students, started a costume drive at ORR on September 28. The collection, which will continue through October 16, asks for the Old Rochester community to donate new or gently-used costumes in order to give children the Halloween they wish for. A collection box has been set up in the high school lobby, and the donations have been flowing in.
The NHS has been a busy group this school year, and the costume drive has not been their only service to the community. During the previous home football game, the National Honor Society collected canned goods for a reduced ticket price, and all collected goods went to the food pantry at Saint Anthony’s Parish in Mattapoisett.
The NHS has no plans to slow down on their community service. Sarabeth Morrell, the English teacher at Old Rochester in charge of the NHS, said “We’re hoping to help at Sippican School with a homework club.” While these plans are still in the works, the NHS hopes to set up a booth at the Halloween Fair being created by Old Rochester’s student government, which will be on Friday, October 30 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the high school. The fair will be geared towards children ages 3 to 7 who are encouraged to wear their costumes and get excited for a costume contest. Children are also urged to bring their own pumpkin for decorating.
On top of helping the NHS with their activities, members dutifully perform 20 hours of community service hours every semester.
“Right now, we have students all over the local area,” said Morrell. “We’ve got students over at Rochester Memorial every week reading to younger kids.” The group aims to better the community, and the students of the NHS strive to commit themselves to their service. “I would also encourage anyone in the community who has a need for help with a service program from our students to email me,” Morrell added.
If you wish to donate a costume or have any questions, please contact Sarabeth Morell at smorell@orr.mec.edu.
By Sienna Wurl
