It's not all trick or treats at one house in Ansonia. And, in fact, their Halloween display has a charitable purpose.
This is the fourth year that Ricky Baxter has decked out his lawn to add a fun fright to his neighborhood. But it's about a lot more than just ghouls and goblins for him. "Me and my family are really into Halloween and we really just wanted to give back to the community," said Baxter.
His house of horrors also serves as a collection point for Spooner House, a Shelton based non-profit homeless shelter and food pantry. "This event really kicks off our holiday season, to provide the food that we need to the people who come through our doors," explains Susan Agamy,
Executive director of Spooner House.
Each year, Spooner House provides more than 112,000 meals to those who are hungry. Baxter's fright fest provides a couple of pickup trucks full of food for the cause.
"Every bit is able to reach people in need and it also raises awareness in the community," added Agamy.
Baxter said he has spent a few thousand dollars on his display, which takes him around two weeks to complete. But to him, it's money well worth it. "It shows the kids what giving back looks like and hopefully you pass that idea on to other people," said Baxter.
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Baxter said last year he had just under 1,100 people Halloween night. He is hoping that this year, that number goes way up and with it, even more donations.
