Boosting Spirits Boo Bags

In 2021 5th grader Avery Arlinghaus had an idea. That idea was to "boo" kids in the hospital over Halloween. inspired by her past experience of missing Thanksgiving due to hospitalization as a young child she wanted to give Halloween goodie bags to kids who would also miss a holiday. Halloween is the holiday made for kids. But what about the kids who can't celebrate? Armed with an idea Avery got to work undaunted by her age. With the help of her supportive parents, she set up a fundraiser and made wish lists. They raised $2,500 both in cash and donations, which made 60 fun-filled bags. To decorate and assemble these bags Avery and Adam received the help from there 5th grade class and teacher. "We couldn't have done it without the community. They saw two kids trying to make a difference and did all they could to help" says Avery. Since this successful year the boo bags continued eventually taking on the name Boosting Spirits and making 280 bags for kids in the hospital.