MERS/Goodwill Shows You How To “Be Your Own Monster”

Oct. 1, 2015 - PRLog -- ST. LOUIS (Oct. 1, 2015) – Halloween is a major shopping season and MERS/Goodwill can save you from a witch-hunt for the perfect costume necessities and home décor. As an original recycler, Goodwill promotes imagination and resourcefulness this season. Don’t be spooked at the big box store register - make your own costume this year.

If you are not a D.I.Y. (do it yourself) inspired ghoul, MERS/Goodwill can help! By teaming up with Sony Pictures Animation for the release of the monster comedy, HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2, the nonprofit has released many options to help customers decide what type of monster to be this year. Visit Goodwill.org/Halloween (http://www.goodwill.org/halloween) for the “Be Your Own Monster” Costume Generator:  Type in your initials and the generator will put a costume idea together based on your name; use the randomizer for a spiritless option or take the personality quiz to find your monster potential.The site also demonstrates how to use makeup to become your own monster.

“We are thrilled to partner with Sony for HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2. This collaboration aims to inspire everyone in the community – from toddlers to baby boomers,” said Lewis C. Chartock, Ph.D., President and CEO of MERS/Goodwill.  “Purchasing items from a Goodwill store is not only a sustainable practice, but is a fun way to save and create a one-of-a-kind Halloween costume on a budget.”

MERS/Goodwill locations offer endless “Be Your Own Monster” costume examples such as:

·         Johnnystein from HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2 – Khaki shorts, yellow T-shirt, blue suit jacket, tennis shoes and a black marker to draw on stitches.

·         Fortune Teller – Patterned skirt, head scarf, colorful bracelets, necklace or brooch, and a fish bowl

·         Superhero – T-shirt, fabric or tape for insignia, dark pants, sneakers, bandana for face mask, red or black table cloth or sheet for cape

·         Selfie – Empty picture frame, wire hanger to support frame, wand or selfie stick, cell phone and whatever outfit you would like!

For more on what’s trendy this year, try:

• Despicable Me Halloween costumes – Yellow tee, denim overalls, black rimmed glasses, and black gloves
• Presidential nominee/Donald Trump – Black pants, black suit jacket, dress shoes, an American flag pin, and a blond wig
• Taylor Swift 1989 Album – Black pants, graphic animal sweatshirt, red rimmed sunglass, and a poster board cutout framed to look like a polaroid
• Mockingjay inspired Katniss Everdeen – Black leggings, black top, faux leather fest and belt, knee high boots, and a bow and arrow
• Other hot costumes to watch for will be Game of Thrones characters like Jon Snow, and Star Wars characters such as Kylo Ren, Rey, Captain Phasma and Finn. Superheroes remain popular for men, women and children. Batman characters may top the lists.

“We can’t wait to see the popular costumes this year and help families pull together their outfits. The public’s involvement through donations and store sales helps support our mission to the neighbors we serve,” continued Chartock.

If you still can’t decide on a costume idea, follow MERS/Goodwill on Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/mersgoodwill/halloween/) to get your creativity flowing. Get ideas from unique and original costumes and head to your neighborhood Goodwill to find all the pieces you’ll need to create a one-of-a-kind look. With endless racks of options and shelves full of accessories, you are sure to fine everything you need.  You can also find ideas for home decorations at MERS/Goodwill. Show your guests a thrilling Halloween without being frightened by high prices.

About MERS/Goodwill

MERS/Goodwill is a non-profit agency that provides for the vocational needs of individuals who have barriers to employment through disability or economic disadvantage. Annually serving more than 60,000 individuals, the organization operates in 75 locations serving 74 counties in the bi-state area. Revenues from 42 Goodwill stores assist with funding MERS/Goodwill job training and employment services. MERS/Goodwill is a proud member of the United Way. For more information about MERS/Goodwill or to find a Goodwill donation center near you, call 314-241-3464 or visit www.mersgoodwill.org.