Community and Collaboration Support Annual Halloween Costume Giveaway

The Halloween Costume Giveaway, an annual initiative founded and led by CalWORKs, and expanded this year to include a partnership with Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS), brought together Mountain Lions and community partners to support student parents and their families. More than 150 costumes were collected and distributed to 85 children during the event, with additional distributions throughout the week for families who could not attend. For many, the celebration provided access to resources and a chance to enjoy the holiday with their children.

Former CalWORKs student Andrea Lara Jara, completing her bachelor of arts in social work (BASW) internship through a partnership with Cal Poly Humboldt, led the initiative. Her leadership ensured the event ran smoothly and highlighted the role students can play in supporting their community. Employees from across the college participated alongside partners such as CARE Counselor Ashley Martinez and program partner Bonnie Montes, demonstrating the impact of collaboration.

“There is no way this initiative could have achieved such success without the support of our college partners,” said Terrie Hawthorne, workforce preparation counselor and CalWORKs coordinator. “From employees to community partners, everyone helped create an experience that strengthens families and builds connections that may inspire the next generation of students.”

In addition to the costume distributions, 31 families attended the in-person event, where 116 little pumpkins were donated. Families enjoyed a meal together at a time when food insecurity is a concern for many student households and participated in activities such as candy bag decorating and photoshoots.

The Halloween Costume Giveaway shows how student leadership, employee engagement, and community partnerships can create lasting experiences that extend MVC’s mission beyond the classroom. The children who received a costume may one day become college students themselves, carrying with them a sense of belonging and care that began with this event.