An Orillia woman is hoping to scare up some support for a good cause this Halloween.
Alicia McLeod is collecting donations for Uplifting Blessings, a local group that helps the homeless by providing items they need. Those who donate between now and Halloween will receive a bag of candy.
McLeod has Chiari malformation and syringomyelia, two conditions that leave her medically vulnerable, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There are probably other people who are high risk like me and some kids won’t be able to participate (in traditional trick-or-treating),” she said.
That’s why she’s offering the curbside drop-off/pick-up for this Halloween charity event.
“The charity needs help and this is just a fun way to help,” she said.
McLeod sees it as a way to honour Uplifting Blessings founder Carolyn-Marie Goodwin for the work she continues to do. She is also doing it in memory of her best friend, who died when they were in high school.
He used to give his lunch money to homeless families — something his mother didn’t find out about until his funeral, when some of those who benefited from his acts of kindness attended and told her about it.
“It has inspired me so much,” McLeod said.
Those who want to donate the requested items can email McLeod at [email protected] to make arrangements.
More information about Uplifting Blessings can be found on its Facebook page.
McLeod is asking for the following items to be donated:
- New or gently used pyjamas for adults
- New, packaged underwear for men and women
- Socks for women
- Hand warmers
- Dental hygiene kit (travel-size toothbrushes, travel-size toothpaste, gum)
- Six pairs of nail clippers
- Two pairs of winter gloves
- Six tubes of travel-size toothpaste
- Men’s sweaters and hoodies
- $20 gift card to Walmart
