What began as a family tradition of decorating for Halloween has grown into a countywide effort to support animals in need, thanks to a Berks County family that found a way to turn its elaborate home display into something more meaningful.
Dave and Daron O’Donald, founders of Creepin’ for Critters, are now in their second year of organizing the Halloween fundraising initiative benefiting the Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Berks County. The effort brings together homeowners who create elaborate Halloween displays and encourages visitors to make voluntary donations to help homeless animals.
For the O’Donald family, the inspiration came from two important members of their household: their son and their rescue dog, Willow.
“First of all, we adopted our dog, Willow, from the ARL, and she is a very important part of our family,” Daron O’Donald said. “And she loves Halloween, so for years she would wear a costume and wait by the door for trick-or-treaters for hours in her costume. She loves the attention; she thinks it’s all for her.”
When their son developed an interest in Halloween several years ago, the family began decorating their home. What started as a small tradition gradually expanded into a large display that attracted neighbors, families and visitors from surrounding communities.
As the decorations grew, so did the number of people stopping by. Eventually, visitors began offering money to help support the family’s efforts.
“But this is something we chose to do. We don’t want your money,” Daron recalled telling visitors.
Instead, the family saw an opportunity to put that generosity toward a cause close to their hearts.
“So we took the thought of, we love Willow, and Willow loves Halloween, and our son loves Halloween, and people are willing to contribute to our display, so let’s collect donations for Halloween for the ARL. And that’s how the idea was born,” Daron said.
Creepin’ for Critters officially launched in 2025 with approximately a dozen participating homes. During its first season, the initiative raised just under $2,000 in monetary donations and collected enough pet supplies to fill the family’s Ford F-250 pickup truck.
The response exceeded the family’s expectations and encouraged them to continue expanding the effort.
For 2026, the initiative has grown to 17 participating homes throughout Berks County, with additional homeowners expressing interest.
The participating displays range from spooky decorations to elaborate yard attractions, all created by residents who share an interest in Halloween and helping animals.
To make donating easier, the O’Donalds worked with the Animal Rescue League to establish an official fundraising campaign, complete with QR codes and signs placed at participating homes. Donations made through the campaign go directly to the ARL, while some locations also collect cash and pet supplies.
The family also uses the FrightMaps app, which allows visitors to locate participating Halloween displays throughout the county.
While the first year focused primarily on recruiting homeowners and establishing the fundraiser, Daron said this year’s effort has emphasized spreading awareness and encouraging more people to visit.
The growing popularity of the displays has helped bring neighbors together in ways the family had not originally anticipated.
Daron recalled hearing from visitors who learned about the family’s display while attending the Exeter Township Hay Ride and decided to stop by afterward.
The O’Donald family’s own Halloween attraction takes weeks to assemble. Dave said work on this year’s display began September 5, with the family spending countless hours setting up decorations, lights and displays throughout the property.
“We don’t keep track of the hours because we would probably be upset with ourselves,” he joked.
Once Halloween is over, the decorations are carefully disassembled and packed away in a shed measuring approximately 14 by 20 feet. Dave said the family developed a system for taking everything down, managing to complete the process in a single day last year with help from several others.
Visitors are welcome to walk through the O’Donald family’s display, which is designed with a route along the driveway, past the front door and through a lighted walkway in the yard.
“As long as the lights are on, you’re welcome to walk,” Dave said.
The lights are on nightly from 5 to 11 p.m. Families with young children who may be frightened by the illuminated decorations are also welcome to visit during daylight hours, provided they remain on the designated paths.
Beyond raising money and collecting supplies, the display has become a gathering place for neighborhood families. Some visitors return regularly to see what new decorations have been added, while others remember individual displays from previous years.
Daron said those interactions have become one of the most rewarding parts of the tradition, particularly as families from nearby neighborhoods return year after year.
The couple hopes to continue growing Creepin’ for Critters throughout Berks County, although they have no immediate plans to expand the concept into other holidays.
“We will probably keep trying to expand this. You know, we’re good with Berks County. I think we’d like to keep seeing if we can raise more, and then in a few years we’ll see where we’re at,” Daron said.
For now, the family is content to continue combining a favorite seasonal hobby with an opportunity to give back.
“A hobby that if we can give back, we’re happy,” Daron said.
All participating Halloween displays are free to visit, and donations are voluntary. Residents can find locations through the free FrightMaps app by looking for Creepin’ for Critters participants.
Monetary donations can also be made directly to the Animal Rescue League of Berks County through the Creepin’ for Critters fundraising campaign. Pet food and other needed supplies can be dropped off at participating collection locations.
Additional information is available through the Creepin’ for Critters Facebook page or by emailing creepinforcritters@gmail.com.
