After raising nearly $2,000 and collecting a truckload of supplies in its first year, the grassroots Halloween fundraiser returns for 2026 with more participating homes and new ways for the community to give back.
BERKS COUNTY, PA — This Halloween season, something good is lurking in the shadows of Berks County neighborhoods.
Creepin’ for Critters, a community-driven Halloween fundraising initiative benefiting the Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Berks County, is back for its second year, bringing together local Halloween enthusiasts who are transforming their elaborately decorated homes into opportunities to help animals in need.
What started in 2025 as a simple idea—using the excitement of Halloween to make a difference for local animals—has grown into a collaboration of more than a dozen participating home haunts throughout Berks County.
In its inaugural season, Creepin’ for Critters raised nearly $2,000 in monetary donations and collected an entire truckload of much-needed supplies for the ARL, thanks to the generosity of local families, neighbors, and Halloween enthusiasts.
Now, the participating haunts are hoping to build on that success in 2026.
Turning Halloween Spirit Into Community Impact
From towering skeletons and eerie graveyards to elaborate lighting and spooky scenes, participating homeowners spend countless hours bringing their Halloween creations to life.
But behind the scares is a shared love of animals and a desire to give back.
“Our own ARL-rescue dog, Willow, has always loved Halloween! She sits in her costume and waits by the door for Trick-or-treaters, eagerly awaiting attention from the kids. When he was 3, our son also fell in love with Halloween, and so our passion for decorating began. Our display started to attract neighbors and local attention and we realized we wanted to use that to do something meaningful. We wanted to help those that cant help themselves. Creepin’ for Critters grew out of the idea that we could take something we already love doing and turn it into something that helps animals, like Willow, throughout our community,” said Dave & Daron O’Donald, co-founders of Creepin’ for Critters.
Creepin’ for Critters invites visitors to enjoy these neighborhood Halloween displays while supporting animals awaiting their second chance at a loving home.
Visitors can contribute directly to the ARL through the fundraiser’s donation link or QR codes displayed at participating homes. Many locations also accept donations of pet food, supplies, and other items needed by the shelter, while select homes accept cash contributions.
The displays are free to enjoy, and donations are entirely voluntary.
A Countywide Halloween Adventure
Participating homes can be found throughout Berks County using the free FrightMaps app, where visitors can look for the Creepin’ for Critters icon or filter to identify participating haunts.
Families can explore displays, discover new Halloween destinations, and support a worthy cause along the way.
This year’s campaign also includes a special opportunity for shoppers: select participating haunts are offering Boscov’s 25% off Friends Helping Friends shopping passes in exchange for in-person donations of $5 or more, while supplies last, ahead of the October 21 shopping event.
A Community Effort With Room to Grow
Creepin’ for Critters is powered by local residents who pour countless hours of creativity, hard work, and personal resources into transforming their homes into spectacular Halloween attractions—all while supporting animals in need.
The group welcomes additional home haunters throughout Berks County who create elaborate Halloween displays and want to use their passion for the spooky season to make a positive impact in their community.
With Halloween approaching, organizers hope to encourage more families to visit participating displays, spread the word, and contribute whatever they can.
How the Community Can Help
- Visit participating haunts:Find Creepin’ for Critters displays throughout Berks County using the FrightMaps app.
- Donate directly:Make a monetary contribution benefiting the Animal Rescue League of Berks County through the Creepin’ for Critters donation campaign:
https://shorturl.at/A7Eks - Give supplies:Drop off requested pet food and other needed supplies at participating collection locations.
- Spread the word:Follow and share Creepin’ for Critters on Facebook and encourage friends and neighbors to participate.
- Join the cause:Halloween decorators with elaborate home haunts who want to turn their displays into something meaningful are invited to get involved.
For more information, to arrange an interview, or to learn how to participate, contact creepinforcritters@gmail.com or message Creepin’ for Critters on Facebook.
About Creepin’ for Critters
Founded in 2025, Creepin’ for Critters is a volunteer-led, community-based Halloween fundraising initiative benefiting the Animal Rescue League of Berks County. By connecting local Halloween decorators and animal lovers, the initiative turns elaborate neighborhood Halloween displays into opportunities to raise funds, collect essential supplies, and support animals in need.
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