MIDDLEBURY — Area residents have a chance to engage in some Halloween fun while supporting a good cause. 
The organization, Community Bridges, and the Turning Point Center of Addison County are together hosting a community costume party on Friday, Nov. 1, from 4-8 p.m. at Middlebury VFW Post 7823 at 530 Exchange St. 
The suggested admission donation of $5, or two non-perishable food items, will benefit the non-profit Helping Overcome Poverty’s Effects (HOPE’s) holiday shop, as well as the food boxes HOPE gives low-income families for either Thanksgiving or Christmas. 
The holiday shop, based at the HOPE headquarters at 282 Boardman St., provides free toys, clothing games and books to make sure families in need can place gifts under the tree for their children. In 2018, HOPE’s holiday shop helped nearly 600 Addison County children. Organizers anticipate an even greater need heading into the 2019 season. 
The Nov. 1 costume party will be a family-friendly, alcohol-free event with a DJ, games, raffle, prizes for costumes, snacks, fun and dancing.