Halloween is on its way and... Do you hear that? Is it a witch's cackle? Is it a wolf howling? No, it's your wallet crying because we're all about to get slammed with the budget-busting end of year holiday trio. Halloween costumes, candy, and party supplies. Thanksgiving food and travel. And don't get me started on the winter holidays and all the expenses there!
This is undoubtedly an expensive time of year, which is why I want to do my part in supporting local parents by easing at least a small part of the burden. This year, clean out old costumes and exchange them for new-to-you ones with the Macaroni KID Mt. Carmel - Schuylkill - Pottsville Halloween Costume Swap Shop. Keep reading to learn how it works and how you can get involved!
Before we get down to business, I want to give a heartfelt THANK YOU to the 2 locations who have generously donated their space to be used for these events! Roller Roost Sports Arena in Pottsville and St. Joe's Community Church in Girardville both jumped in quickly when I reached out looking for community spaces. They've stepped up to do something kind for our community kids and are deserving of all the support we can show them!
How to Participate in the Free Halloween Costume Swap
- Gather up your kids' Halloween costumes from last year. Check for rips, stains, and stinks. Give them a quick wash, avoiding any heavily scented detergents or products.
- Drop off your costume(s) at one of our dedicated drop events - dates below. The Swap Shop team will give you one exchange ticket per full child's costume. If you DO NOT wish to receive an exchange ticket (will not be returning to choose a new costume), you may drop costumes in the designated bin at Roller Roost Sports Arena during regular business hours IN THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER or reach out to staciey@macaronikid.com to arrange pick-up.
- Shop for a 'new to you' costume! Attend one of our scheduled shop events with your exchange ticket(s) and pick out costumes for this Halloween! If you don't have a costume to turn in for exchange, you can still attend our "open shop" event on October 11th to look through remaining costumes.
- Enjoy the spooky season as a family without the terror of an empty wallet. Feel good knowing you've also helped another child have fun this Halloween and kept perfectly good items out of a landfill!
If you're interested in the Costume Swap Shop, I'd love to have you fill out the Interest Form so we can be as prepared as possible!
And be sure to follow me over on Facebook and Instagram for updates and future community events!
Costume Requirements:
- Costumes must be free from stains, rips, or strong smells to receive an exchange ticket. Remember that this is going to be a child's new costume for the year.
- Please include any accessories you have for the costume.
- While we can accept teen-sized costumes, please refrain from turning in an adult's costume to get a child's costume. The system works by exchanging a child's costume that they've grown out of for one that fits.
- All exchange ticket distribution is at the discretion of the Swap Shop team.
- All drop-offs are final. Costumes will not be returned under any circumstances. Costumes that remain after the Open Shop event will be donated back into community organizations that give children the opportunity to use and enjoy them.
- You MUST bring your exchange ticket to the shop event to take home a costume(s), unless you are attending the October 11th Open Shop.
Event Dates
Donate Costumes:
If you would like to donate costumes and do NOT want a swap ticket, a bin is available during the month of September at Roller Roost Sports Arena in Pottsville, PA. You can also attend any of the drop events or sign up HERE for porch pickup on September 20th.
Drop off a Used Costume + Receive Swap Ticket:
✅Saturday, September 5th - Schuylkill Outdoor Market (Thank you to those who stopped by and kicked off the collection!)
Sunday, September 13, 2026 -11 AM to 4 PM
Historic Frank D. Yuengling Mansion
1440 Mahantongo St, Pottsville, PA 17901
Monday, September 21st - 6 to 8 PM
Roller Roost Sports Arena
94 Westwood Rd, Pottsville, PA 17901
Thursday, October 8th - 4 to 8 PM
St. Joe's Community Church
211 W Main St, Girardville, PA 17935
Saturday, October 10th - 11 AM to 3 PM
Schuylkill Outdoor Market - B Street - Macaroni KID table
B Street, Girardville, PA 17935
Shop for a "New" Costume with an Exchange Ticket:
Wednesday, September 23rd - 6 to 8 PM
Roller Roost Sports Arena
94 Westwood Rd, Pottsville, PA 17901
Saturday, October 10th - 4 to 8 PM
St. Joe's Community Church
211 W Main St, Girardville, PA 17935
Open Shop for a "New" Costume - No Exchange Ticket Needed:
Sunday, October 11th - 2 to 5 PM
St. Joe's Community Church
211 W Main St, Girardville, PA 17935
Volunteer to Help
Things always run more smoothly with more hands on deck! Join the crew, get first access to costumes, and support the kids in our communities by volunteering to help out! Limited spots available. More may open if it seems needed! Teens needing community service welcome. E-mail any questions to staciey@macaronikid.com and Sign Up Here!
