LYNNWOOD—Halloween is creeping up, and while goblins and ghouls prepare to haunt the streets, Evergreen Goodwill is offering a more sustainable—and surprisingly stylish—way to celebrate the season.
From gothic candle holders to DIY cobwebs crafted from repurposed tights, the nonprofit thrift retailer is helping families across Northwest Washington decorate affordably, creatively, and with a conscience. But behind the cobwebs and cauldrons is a deeper mission: supporting education, job training, and economic opportunity in the region.
A Halloween That Doesn’t Haunt the Planet
Every year, an estimated 35 million single-use costumes are tossed into landfills across the country. Evergreen Goodwill is turning that frightening statistic into a community opportunity by encouraging reuse and supporting a circular economy.
“We’re giving items a second life,” says Kwabena Milton, Assistant Manager of Retail at the Lynnwood Goodwill store. “Nothing goes to waste. If a costume doesn’t sell this year, it’ll come back next year—we’re always thinking long-term.”
Kwabena recently gave us a behind-the-scenes tour of the Lynnwood location, guiding us from the donation drop-off gate in the back of the building to the sortation area where staff diligently categorize donations—costumes, decor, toys, and more. Quality-checked and neatly organized, items then make their way to the sales floor, priced affordably for items often worn or used only once a year.
And there’s no shortage of variety. “It’s all about timing,” Kwabena says, gesturing toward a rack of kids’ costumes. “The sooner you come in, the better your chances of finding that perfect piece.”
Every Purchase Powers a Purpose
While Halloween is all about dressing up, Evergreen Goodwill’s impact is as real as it gets. Every sale helps fund free job training programs, career coaching, and essential support services offered by the organization.
“The story doesn’t end at the donation bin,” Kwabena reminds us. “Every ghost, superhero, and princess costume purchased here directly supports individuals in our community who are seeking opportunity and economic stability.”
This mission was amplified over Labor Day weekend, when all donation locations across the Evergreen Goodwill network hosted a Halloween Costume Donation Drive, resulting in a noticeable boost in spooky inventory throughout the stores.
A Win-Win-Win Halloween
Shopping for Halloween at Goodwill isn’t just good for your wallet, it’s good for the planet and good for the community. Whether you’re hunting for a vintage vampire cape or crafting your own costume from upcycled pieces, each purchase supports a cleaner environment and a stronger local workforce.
So, before heading to a big-box store this Halloween, consider stopping by your local Goodwill. Who knows? You might find the perfect potion bottle prop—or even your next favorite costume.
And as Kwabena puts it: “If one person doesn’t want it, someone else will love it. That’s the magic of this place.”
Looking to get spooky sustainably?
Visit your nearest Evergreen Goodwill location for Halloween deals or donate your gently used costumes and decor today. Learn more at https://evergreengoodwill.org/locations/lynnwood-goodwill/
Author: Gerti Katro
