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Halloween Party Aims to Delight Kids in Candy-Starved Lower East Side

By Lisha Arino | October 29, 2014 2:29pm
 The Hernandez Houses Resident Association and the L.E.S. Dwellers block association will host a Halloween costume party and food drive at the complex’s Resident Room located at 189 Allen St.
The Hernandez Houses Resident Association and the L.E.S. Dwellers block association will host a Halloween costume party and food drive at the complex’s Resident Room located at 189 Allen St.
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Facebook/Rafael Hernandez Houses

LOWER EAST SIDE — Kids will have a new Halloween stop on Friday after years of the neighborhood being unfriendly to trick-or-treaters.

The Hernandez Houses Resident Association and the L.E.S. Dwellers block association have teamed up to host a Halloween costume party and food drive at the complex’s Resident Room located on Allen Street near Stanton Street.

While many adults will hit up nearby bars and restaurants for Halloween-themed events, few local businesses hand out candy to kids, said Diem Boyd, founder and president of the block association.

“The neighborhood is really difficult for trick-or-treating,” she said. “People forget little kids live here too.”

Party organizers will hand out candy to trick-or-treaters from 5 to 8 p.m., she said, but the public is also invited to hang out at the party and enjoy free food, music, games and gift bags for children under 12 years old.

“It’s going to be awesome for the children,” said Felicia Gordon, president of the Hernandez Houses Resident Association. “It’s a great time to have fun as a community. It’s a fun holiday.”

The event is for the community, by the community, said Gordon and Boyd. 

In addition to providing fun for local families, the party will also collect canned goods for the Bowery Mission, which has seen its food supply dwindle as demand for meals has gone up, Gordon and Boyd said.

“The spirit of community is alive and well here,” said Boyd.

The Halloween Costume Party and Food Drive will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at 189 Allen Street inside the Rafael Hernandez Houses Resident Room. The party is free and open to the public.