A Halloween tradition that began with one Berks County family’s love of decorating has grown into a successful community fundraiser, raising more than $12,000 in monetary donations and supplies for the Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Berks County this year.
Creepin’ for Critters, a volunteer-led initiative that brings together homeowners with elaborate Halloween displays, announced that its 2026 campaign collected $10,600 in monetary donations and an estimated $1,500 worth of supplies for the shelter.
The combined total of approximately $12,100 represents a significant increase from the fundraiser’s inaugural year in 2025, when participating homes raised nearly $2,000 and collected a truckload of pet supplies.
Founded by Dave and Daron O’Donald, Creepin’ for Critters began as a way to turn the family’s popular Halloween decorations into an opportunity to help animals in need.
The inspiration came from their rescue dog, Willow, who was adopted from the ARL, and their son’s growing enthusiasm for Halloween. As their home display became more elaborate, neighbors and visitors began offering to contribute money toward the decorations. Rather than accepting donations for themselves, the family decided to direct that generosity toward the animal shelter.
The idea officially launched in 2025 with approximately a dozen participating homes. This year, the initiative expanded to 17 locations throughout Berks County, allowing families to explore Halloween displays while contributing money, pet food, toys, blankets and other supplies to the ARL.
Visitors could donate through QR codes displayed at participating homes, contribute cash at select locations or drop off supplies. The displays were free to visit, with all contributions voluntary.
In a social media post announcing the final results, Creepin’ for Critters organizers shared their excitement over the community’s response.
“What started as a way to combine our love of Halloween with our love of animals has become something so much bigger than we imagined. And it’s all because of YOU,” the organizers wrote.
According to the group, ARL staff were surprised by the amount collected when the donations were delivered. Organizers said the shelter had been hoping for approximately $5,000, but the final contributions more than doubled that amount.
The organizers credited the success to participating homeowners, visitors and community members who contributed throughout the Halloween season.
“To every haunted house that joined us, every visitor who came out to enjoy the displays, every person who dropped a dollar in a donation box, scanned a QR code, or donated supplies — THANK YOU,” the group wrote.
Beyond fundraising, Creepin’ for Critters has also helped connect neighbors and families through their shared enthusiasm for Halloween. The O’Donalds previously described how their own display attracted repeat visitors, with some families stopping by regularly to see new decorations and others traveling from surrounding communities.
While the decorations have now come down for the season, the fundraiser’s second-year results demonstrate how a neighborhood Halloween tradition has grown into a countywide effort supporting animals awaiting adoption.
Organizers have expressed interest in continuing to expand Creepin’ for Critters within Berks County in future Halloween seasons.
