Tricks, treats and tails: Hopatcong family’s Halloween display raises donations for animal shelter
HOPATCONG BOROUGH, N.J. (Sussex County) — A longtime Halloween tradition in Sussex County is helping animals in need as a Hopatcong family uses its annual holiday display to collect donations for the Hopatcong Animal Shelter, with contributions accepted before, during and after Halloween.
Homeowner Anthony Marinaro said his family is hosting its fourth annual Halloween fundraiser at 112 Durban Ave., encouraging visitors to enjoy the decorations while donating money, pet food and other supplies to support animals at the shelter.
“We live on a main road in Hopatcong and tend to get upwards of 500 trick-or-treaters on Halloween, so we wanted to find a way to help the community,” Marinaro told RNJ.
According to Marinaro, the family has raised approximately $1,500 over the past several years, along with donations of pet food, blankets, cleaning supplies and other necessities. This year, the family hopes to surpass its previous fundraising efforts.
The collection builds on a Halloween decorating tradition that Marinaro said has been part of his family for generations. As the display attracted more attention from visitors, the family decided to use its popularity to give back to the community.
Donations are not limited to Halloween. Marinaro said the family accepts contributions at its home throughout the collection period, with a donation bin typically placed outside near the display. The family checks the bin daily and brings donated items inside.
The collection bin is expected to be available beginning the week before Halloween and continuing until shortly after the holiday. Visitors can drop off items whenever the bin is outside or contact Marinaro to arrange a drop-off.
Requested items include towels, blankets, cleaning supplies, pet food and other materials that could benefit animals at the shelter.
Those who prefer to make a monetary contribution can also donate through the family’s GoFundMe fundraiser benefiting the Hopatcong Animal Shelter.
The family is also inviting visitors to stop by the Halloween display on Saturday, Oct. 31, and consider bringing a donation while enjoying the decorations.
Donations can be dropped off at 112 Durban Ave. in Hopatcong whenever the collection bin is available, allowing community members to contribute even if they cannot visit on Halloween
