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How to give back this Halloween

During the Halloween season, we get so caught up in picking the perfect costume, stashing away all our favorite candy and hitting the haunted hayride with our buds, that we often forget about the people around us who *don't* have access to all the fun festivities. Fortunately, no matter where you live, there are plenty of opportunities to give back to your community or a cause you're passionate about. Peep the list below and carve out some time (in between carving pumpkins, of course) to help those in need.

Trick-or-treat for UNICEF
Instead of going door to door for candy, go door to door for donations. The money you collect will provide kids around the world with medicine, food, clean water and even education. Visit their website for more information, but first check with your school to see if they're involved (many are!).

Buy your costume at a Spirit of Halloween store
Every October, the popular costume company runs its Spirit of Children program. By making a donation when you're at the store, you're allowing kids in children's hospitals all over the country to have a happier Halloween. The program provides everything from food to decor to costumes so that patients can enjoy their own spooky soiree.

Donate your leftover candy...
If you hauled in way more than you can handle, don't just throw away the extras. Instead, take it to your local food bank. Or, use it in a care package for an organization like Operation Gratitude that sends goodies to the troops overseas.

...and your costume
You probably aren't planning on wearing this year's Elsa getup next year. There are groups like Ween Dream that specifically collect gently used costumes for families who can't afford them. You can also donate it to Goodwill or Salvation Army if there's one nearby.

Are you doing anything to give back this Halloween? Share in the comments below!

Photo credit: Dis411.