A 16-year-old Michigan teen is spreading Halloween cheer by giving away hundreds of free costumes each year to children from families in need. What started in 2020 as a small act of kindness has grown into a beloved community tradition.

Michigan Teen's Halloween Costume Giveaway is a Hit With Michigan Families

Neia Handy tells WLNS-TV that the annual giveaway is something she works on throughout the year — and she’s grateful for the help.

“It’s kind of like a year-round effort. I mean, generally I still have some left over after the costume giveaway, and then we’ll go to places like Meijer, Target, and sometimes Walmart too. We find on-sale costumes after Halloween’s over, and then we’ll go to garage sales too. Sometimes people donate them as well.”

Kids’ Joy Keeps Her Going

This year, Handy collected more than 600 costumes to give to local children. She says many of the families are deeply appreciative of her efforts.

“They’re always very thankful. And then my favorite is the little kids — they’re all happy because they just found a new costume, especially if they found the one they wanted. That’s the best.”

After Halloween, Handy plans to host a collection drive to help seed next year’s giveaway. You can contribute gently used costumes through the teen’s Facebook page.

More Michigan News

LOOK: 15 Ways We Used to Listen to Music (And Why We Miss Them)

From the crackle of a pocket transistor radio to the satisfying click of a car's multi-CD changer, we’re rewinding through the nostalgic gadgets that shaped how we listened to and experienced our favorite music.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

Detroit's Historic Bishop Mansion Up for Auction

This massive, 32,000-square-foot mansion in Detroit's Palmer Woods District was built about 100 years ago.

It's not only served as the primary residence for Archbishops of the Archdiocese of Detroit, but it has also been owned by Detroit Pistons star John Salley.

Gallery Credit: George McIntyre

The Gordie Howe International Bridge

Check out the final stage of construction at The Gordie Howe Bridge

Gallery Credit: Michael Anthony Videos

Jimmy Fallon Performs "Detroit" on 'The Tonight Show'

Jimmy Fallon wrote a song for Michigan's Motor City, and fans went nuts!