HOUSTON — For families in a traumatic situation, something as simple as Halloween can be a great expense. That's why a west Houston teen started his organization, "Y'alloween."
We caught up with BJ Rottinghaus four years after we originally told his story. His goal is to make sure every kid gets a costume so they can experience the joys of trick-or-treating, regardless of their hardships.
"I think Halloween is honestly the best holiday," Rottinghaus said.
Volunteers gathered around his dining table as Halloween spirit filled his home. They sorted, labeled and distributed what every boy and ghoul needs for the holiday - a costume.
"I really want Halloween to be more accessible for everybody," he said.
Rottinghaus, now a Memorial High School senior, collects hundreds of costumes to go to kids impacted by domestic violence or homelessness. When families are struggling to secure food, shelter and safety for their children, non-essential items often fall by the wayside.
The teen started Y'alloween four years ago after seeing the high prices of costumes. He said it was even more important for kids in traumatic situations to experience the spooky fun of dressing up and trick-or-treating.
Kids from two local shelters, two in Austin, and one in Fort Bend County fill out a wish list.
Rottinghaus' mom, Tracy LeRoy, is tasked with filling the more elaborate requests.
"There is also a family who was in a shelter, where they requested a Pebbles costume for the baby and a Fred Flinstone for the little boy," LeRoy said. "We get a thousand requests for Elsa and Spiderman, but some of the more interesting ones, it makes you really think about the kids and it personalizes the experience."
This year, Rottinghaus is giving out 400 costumes. His good work was honored by the City of Houston with a proclamation.
Even with the possibility he could be leaving the state for college next year, the teen said he's working on plans to expand his organization nationwide.
"I think giving back has given me a lot of joy, a lot of humbleness," he said.
Editor's note: BJ Rottinghaus is the son of KHOU 11 political analyst Brandon Rottinghaus.