First Chance for Children is a Columbia, Missouri 501(c)(3) that lends donated Halloween costumes free to families with young children through its year-round Lend and Learn closet. Families with kids from about three months to five years old can borrow a gently used costume and return it afterward, and the closet sees its heaviest use at Halloween. The organization actively seeks costume donations to keep the lending library stocked. Because it lends rather than holds a single event, costumes are available throughout the year. Visit firstchanceforchildren.org for the costume-borrowing program and donation drop-off details.
First Chance for Children is not listed as running a single seasonal collection window, so donations are generally accepted year round. Capacity still varies. Volunteer-run programs pause intake when storage fills up, so check before sending a large donation.
No. First Chance for Children collects drop-off or pickup and serves Columbia, MO area. If you are outside that area, look for a program closer to you, or use one of the 7 programs in this directory that accept mail-in donations from anywhere.
First Chance for Children is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations to registered charities are generally tax deductible if you itemize, and the organization can issue a receipt. Ask them directly for their EIN and a written acknowledgement if you plan to claim the donation on your taxes.
This listing is marked Verified Org and was last reviewed on June 29, 2026. That means we confirmed the organization exists and operates, using public records and its own published material, but we have not re-confirmed this season with them directly. Programs change hours, addresses, and intake windows without notice, so check their own site before you travel or ship.