While Christmas and Thanksgiving get plenty of attention — and rightfully so — Halloween too can be an expensive holiday for families, particularly those with several young children.

Children create lasting memories every late October as they get dressed up to collect candy, but not every family can easily afford a Halloween costume.

One costume alone might be upwards of $20. Buy two or more, and then toss a bag of candy in the cart to hand out at your own doorstep, and the cost at the register adds up.

This is why the Ghouls for Good project by the Butler County Young Professionals is so important. It helps families supply their youngsters with Halloween costumes, making the day more fun for children and less of a financial burden for parents.

Earlier this week, the group offered donated Halloween costumes to children in need from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Cranberry area. On Monday, Oct. 18, the event continues with a Butler event from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Cubs Hall.

The organization passes out vouchers for costumes through community organizations like the Alliance for Children and Butler County Youth Services, but doesn’t turn away those without vouchers either.

According to Butler County Young Professionals leader Audrianna Bly, the Cranberry version of the event is new this year. In an article that ran in Tuesday’s Butler Eagle, Bly is quoted saying that Cranberry too has this type of need, despite any “misconception.”

By holding the event twice — once in Cranberry and again in Butler — the group aims to reach many in need.

Kudos to the local group of young professionals for this out-of-the-box tradition that helps families in a unique way.

Thank you for helping local families enjoy the October holiday with fun costumes and less of a financial burden.

Keep up the good work.

— TAL