Skeletons for St. Jude is a heartwarming initiative that combines the spirit of Halloween with a noble cause—raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Participants across the country are transforming their yards into spooky displays featuring skeletons, all while encouraging donations to support children battling cancer.
Key Takeaways
- Nationwide Initiative: Skeletons for St. Jude is a collaborative effort involving nearly 1,000 homes across the country.
- Significant Fundraising: The campaign has raised over $154,810 this year, with a goal of surpassing $1 million by 2025.
- Community Involvement: Local families are creatively engaging their communities through themed displays, fostering a sense of togetherness and support.
Creative Displays Across the Country
In Wichita, Kansas, Vicki Kuhn has embraced the Skeletons for St. Jude initiative for the first time this year. Her display, located near 13th Street North and 119th Street West, features daily changes to the skeletons, showcasing various fun scenarios. Kuhn shared her motivation, stating, "I’ve been blessed with having three healthy children, but I’ve had friends whose children have struggled with cancer and fought the fight, and so how can I not give back?"
In Salina, Chris and Dan Starcher have been participating for four years, raising over $1,000 this year alone. Dan emphasized the importance of their efforts, saying, "Every dollar helps and helps the families. They don’t have to pay for any hospital bills, pay for hotels. It’s one of the greatest donations that you can ever make."
The Bellefonte Pool Party
Meanwhile, in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, Nancy Saxton-Mattie and her family have created a whimsical display featuring a 12-foot skeleton named "Big LeBoneski" enjoying a pool party. This creative setup not only entertains but also serves a greater purpose—raising funds for St. Jude. The Mattie family has raised $3,290 in previous years and is currently working towards a $1,500 goal for this year.
Saxton-Mattie expressed the importance of their efforts, stating, "Everyone knows someone impacted by cancer, and the sooner we find a cure, the better. The joy the display brings the community is just a bonus."
The Impact of Donations
Donations collected through Skeletons for St. Jude are allocated to various essential areas, including:
- Patient Care and Treatment: Ensuring children receive the best possible medical attention.
- Research and Development: Funding innovative research to find cures for pediatric diseases.
- Education and Outreach: Supporting families and communities affected by childhood cancer.
Looking Ahead
The Skeletons for St. Jude initiative aims to break the $1 million fundraising goal by 2025. With the continued support of families and communities, this ambitious target seems within reach. Participants encourage everyone to join in the fun and contribute to a cause that brings hope and healing to children in need.
As Halloween approaches, the spirit of giving shines brightly through these creative displays, reminding us all of the power of community and compassion in the fight against childhood cancer.
Sources
- Skeletons for St. Jude uses unique Halloween displays to raise money for childhood cancer, AOL.com.
- Skeletons in Bellefonte make waves for St. Jude | News, Sports, Jobs – The Express, lockhaven.com.
