Lutcher Theater accepting gently worn Halloween costumes

<div class="Content"><p class="indent">The Lutcher Theater in Orange, Texas, is partnering with Treat-It-Forward to provide new and gently worn Halloween costumes to area children in need. The theater will be accepting costumes Thursday and Friday until 4:30 p.m. and patron’s attending Sunday’s showing of “The Wizard of Oz” are also invited to participate in the community give back.</p><p class="indent">Marla Gilmore, marketing manager for Lutcher Theater said Treat-It-Forward’s mission aligns beautifully with that of the theater. “We’re supported by our patrons and it’s very important that we are always looking for ways to help out in our community. It’s about two local nonprofits teaming up to bring a smile to area children.”</p><p class="indent">Treat-It-Forward began in 2015 when Jenny Wilson, founder, posted pictures of her children’s Halloween costumes online as a free offering to any child in need. The costumes went immediately and the idea for Treat-It-Forward was birthed. “When they asked me if I need the costume back I said, ‘No, just treat it forward,’” said Wilson.</p><p class="indent">In it’s first year the organization collected over 500 costumes to give away for free, said Wilson. “It was an overwhelming response so I knew that there was a need in our community that was not being met.”</p><p class="indent">People often consider disadvantaged family’s need at Christmas time but Halloween also provides many of the same special memories that every family should be able to treasure for a lifetime, explained Wilson. “It’s not just one night anymore. Kids wear the costume to school, parties, festivals, trunk or treats–You have such a short window to make those memories.”</p><p class="indent">Treat-It-Forward will have its culminating Family Fun Day on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the IBEW Union Hall in Beaumont, Texas. Set up like a costume shop, children can “shop” for their new costume and accessories with the help of Sponge Bob, Paw Patrol characters and Disney Princesses and also enjoy festivities including a bounce house, face painting, snow cones and popcorn. Families can select one costume per child and children must be present to “purchase.”</p><p class="indent">To purchase tickets for “The Wizard of Oz” visit, <span class="text_link link_wrap type_url" data-link-type="URL" data-link-target="http://www.lutcher.org">www.lutcher.org</span> or to learn more about Treat-It-Forward and its other drop-off locations visit, <span class="text_link link_wrap type_url" data-link-type="URL" data-link-target="http://www.treatitforward.org"><span style="font-weight: bold;">www.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">treatitforward.org</span></span>.</p></div>

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