Kids have happy Halloween at homeless shelter

Posted at: 11/01/2009 8:42 AM | Updated at: 11/01/2009 8:49 AM
By: Kayla Anderson, Eyewitness News 4; Matthew Kappus, KOB.com

Children and Joy Junction made their own costumes

The children at Joy Junction homeless shelter can't afford expensive Halloween costumes. But that didn't stop them from having a good time Saturday.

With face paint, sheets with holes cut out, and pillowcases and trash bags turned into trick-or-treat bags, the kids proved it doesn't take anything fancy to have fun on Halloween.

Residents at Joy Junction helped children improvise their costumes and handed out candy themselves. Most of the treats were donated to the shelter.

"We get to go around from building to building and knock on doors, just like as if we were in a regular neighborhood," said Joy Junction resident William Crager.

Patty Crager said letting children be children is the best part of Halloween.

"They need to feel like they fit in, and this is one way of doing it," said Annie Hewlett, who was painting faces.

After it was over, parents watched as the kids sorted through their candy in the mess hall, bringing some extra joy to Joy Junction.

Sunday, Joy Junction will hold a sack lunch event for the homeless in downtown Albuquerque at First Street and Iron. It is the first time they have done an event like it and they are asking for prayers and support.

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