While Halloween typically focuses on costumes and parties, there are creative and intentional ways to make this day about much more than candy.

1. Go with an eco-friendly costume. There are lots of ways to accomplish this, including re-inventing pieces from your old wardrobe. Or, think about buying some costumes or clothing pieces at your local Goodwill; the money you spend will go to helping those in need rather than feeding commercialism.



2. Give out eco-friendly candy, such as fair trade chocolate or organic bug bites. You can get a container of Yummy Earth Organic Lollipops for only $16.15 on Amazon.com.
3. Use a bag that gives back. This year, you can purchase the FEED Trick-or-Treat Bag from the Home Shopping Network for $12.95; these burlap bags are the result of a combined effort between FEED, HSN and UNICEF. For every bag purchased, HSN will donate enough funds to provide a year’s worth of micronutrient powder for a child in another country. This powder gives children needed vitamins and minerals that they may lack in their current diet and will be administered through the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.



4. Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. This year marks the 61st anniversary of the program where kids can take orange UNICEF boxes with them on Halloween. This year, the orange box will allow for mobile donations. Donors can scan the box’s Microsoft Tag and give through their smartphone. Supporters can also donate $10 to Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF on their smartphone by texting the word “TOT” to UNICEF (864233). In addition to trick-or-treating for donations, you can now participate in its inaugural virtual costume party. If you’re not trick-or-treating, you can still donate and host a fundraising party for UNICEF.
5. Surprise a soldier. Soldiers are often sent care packages around Thanksgiving and Christmas, but Halloween is also a great (and unexpected) time to let them know that they’re appreciated, especially by sending heat-resistant candy. Operation Shoebox can help with this.
6. Visit a nursing home. Many people – old and not so old – stay inside on holidays. Instead of asking for candy, visit a nursing home and (after checking with the staff) distribute treats to the residents.



7. Participate in Sight Night. This program, sponsored by the organization OneSight, encourages people to ask for used prescription glasses and even nonprescription sunglasses along with asking for candy on Halloween. The glasses are then delivered to those who need them but do not have the resources to obtain them on their own.
8. Buy a costume for a cause. If you buy your costume at the Salvation Army or Goodwill, proceeds go toward job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs.
9. Have a Halloween party of your own for a good cause if you can’t join one of the big parties. Host a costume or fall-themed party with a small cover charge and donate the money to your favorite charity (or host a Gift Card Giver party). Most charities can use the extra support as they ramp up for the holiday season!

How do you plan to give back this Halloween?