Plainfield family raises money for low-income children with Halloween scenes

PLAINFIELD – When you build a dramatic Halloween display, people are sure to notice.

Even couples dressed like zombies about to say, “I do.”

“Last year, a wedding party got out and had their ceremony on the front lawn,” said Salvatore Perry, builder of the fundraising display. “They said, ‘Do you my mind if our minister blesses us?’ And I said, ‘Yeah, go for it.’ It was pouring rain outside.”

Each Halloween season Perry, a member of Chicago Haunt Builders, constructs an elaborate scene on his Plainfield front yard. Elements may include animatronics, special window lighting, motion-sensored items, fog, music – and perhaps a friendly clown or two wandering around, Perry said.

The community is encouraged to come and enjoy, for free, although Perry encourages visitors to donate to his cause, which is Bags of Hope in Lockport. Donations can be monetary or non-perishable food items.

“Last year, we raised close to $4,000 and I don’t know how many bags of food,” Perry said.

Although Perry has decorated his lawn for years, he never considered adding a charity element to the mix until six years ago, after a passerby asked for an up-close look – and then offered to donate.

“Most people spend five to 10 minutes checking it out,” Perry said. “We set up a big tent on Halloween last year and popped popcorn and made candy apples.”

The first year Perry opened his lawn to the public, he collected money and goods for a woman’s shelter. The second year and succeeding years, Perry raised money for Creekside Cares, which was a nonprofit organization begun by a Plainfield educator.

The program discreetly supplied food for low-income children by placing items in their backpacks. Creekside Cares has since been absorbed by the Lockport-based Bags of Hope.

Perry is so dedicated to the cause, he takes vacation time during the week before Halloween just to run the fundraiser.

“I just hope we make a dent in helping some of these kids,” Perry said.

Lana Howe, chairwoman of Bags of Hope, said Perry’s event is very helpful and she greatly appreciates their efforts.

“It’s awesome,” Howe said. “They do such a great job every year, and every year it’s better and better.”

Bags of Hope currently serves 211 low-income children in Joliet, Lockport and Plainfield, Howe said. Although the items are non-perishable, the organization tries to ensure each child receives a balanced diet.

And if the program didn’t exist?

“Well, they’d be hungry, for starters,” Howe said.

Typical foods a child receives include canned fruits and vegetables, protein such as peanut butter and tuna, canned pasta meals, soups, and oatmeal and other cereals.

Portions are based on family size, in order to feed all the members, Howe said. The families are experts at making the donated food stretch for those meals their children don’t eat at school, especially weekend meals.

“I know it’s helping them come to school ready to learn,” Howe said. “If their tummies are growling, they can’t focus on their schoolwork.”

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If you go

WHAT: Yard Haunt

WHEN: Every night (unless it’s raining) through Halloween

WHERE: 15416 S. Creekside Drive in Plainfield

ETC: No charge to walk through the display, but donations to Bags of Hope encouraged.

KNOW MORE: Visit www.boh2016.org or email bagsofhope@gmail.com.