We all know that for kids, Halloween is all about trick-or-treating. But, for kids in hospitals across the area, they don’t have a chance to get those bags full of candy. That’s where “The Boo Project” based in Metro Detroit steps in. The charity was founded by Kendra Montante who has been bringing gift bags to hospitals across the area since 2018.
“I started when I wrote my children’s book back in 2015“, said Montante. “The year after that I started partnering with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Cub Scouts, to teach them about paying it forward and doing something nice for someone just because, that’s also the premise of the book.”
From there, she organized a group to start “booing” at local hospitals. A “boo” is when you leave a gift bag at a door filled with items, and it encourages you to “boo” someone else. For The Boo Project, they fill each bag with Montante’s book, an activity book, and several other items like crayons, colored pencils, a Hot Wheels car, Play-Doh, and so much more.
“Being in the hospital is a bit of an isolating experience for families and for patients, especially around the holidays“, said Amanda Lefk, a Corewell Royal Oak Child Life Specialist. “So, when you have something come in and celebrate it (Halloween), acknowledge it, and people are giving you things that make you feel like your still able to participate in it, it makes you feel like you’re really being cared for.”
Montante says The Boo Project will hand out 675 boo bags this year and they still need help to make it happen. Local businesses can help sponsor the project, and families can sponsor an individual child. You can get more information here.
To see “Live In The D” host Tati Amare but together one of the boo bags in studio, click the video player above.