Warwick Businesses to Host Halloween Costume Drive
Local operators can support Fearless! Hudson Valley by hosting donation bins through October 26, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Do you believe community-led charity drives are an effective way to raise awareness for social issues?
Warwick Valley High School senior Nina Normandia is organizing a Halloween costume drive to benefit Fearless! Hudson Valley, running through October 26, 2026. Local businesses are participating by hosting collection containers for new, packaged costumes.
Why it matters
The initiative aligns with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, offering local small businesses an opportunity to participate in community philanthropy that supports survivors in Orange and Sullivan counties.
The agency, which recorded 12,284 hotline calls in 2025, now receives support through a drive aiming to collect 20 costumes and raise at least $400. Final tallies for these specific metrics remain pending until the drive concludes.
The players
Nina Normandia
A senior at Warwick Valley High School who is spearheading this local philanthropic campaign.
Fearless! Hudson Valley
A private, not-for-profit agency providing support services for domestic violence survivors across Orange and Sullivan counties.
The details
Operators hosting collection bins are asked to accept only brand-new costumes in original packaging. To maintain safety standards for the children served, organizers have strictly prohibited donations that contain weapon props or promote themes of violence. Collected items and monetary donations will be directed to Fearless! Hudson Valley, a nonprofit providing specialized services for domestic violence survivors.
Timeline
1986: Fearless! Hudson Valley was established as the Orange County Safe Homes Project.
2025: The agency provided 9,608 nights of safety for those in need.
October 2026: Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed.
October 26, 2026: The costume collection drive concludes.
Market Landscape
This initiative follows the pattern set by the annual observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month to increase local nonprofit engagement. It reflects a standard model of school-led community outreach that leverages local business storefronts to drive donations.
Operators in Warwick can participate by providing space for collection bins through October 26, 2026. Businesses should ensure all accepted donations strictly meet the new-in-packaging requirement to maintain compliance with safety standards.
The takeaway
This drive highlights how student-led initiatives can effectively mobilize local business traffic for nonprofit goals. Operators should review their existing charitable donation policies to ensure all collected items meet the specified safety criteria before distribution.
Further reading
For more on how local businesses support regional non-profits, visit Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Warwickadvertiser.
Live Poll
Do you believe community-led charity drives are an effective way to raise awareness for social issues?
