The Indiana Pacers and the Indianapolis Fire Department Wednesday announced a joint initiative to distribute 10,000 Halloween costumes to area children. The costumes are being provided by JAKKS Pacific Toy Company and Co-Founder Stephen Berman, a close friend of Pacers Sports & Entertainment Chairman and CEO Herb Simon.
The giveaway aligns with NBA Cares Week and IFD’s Fire Prevention Week, which began Oct. 6.
“This is an extraordinary gesture from Mr. Berman and JAKKS Pacific,” said IFD Chief Ernest Malone. “Thousands of Indianapolis children will don these costumes while also learning about fire safety in their homes. That is an absolute win-win.”
“Once again, I cannot thank Stephen Berman enough for his continuing generosity to our children,” said Simon. “He is not only my friend, but Indiana’s friend.”
Four thousand, six hundred costumes already have been distributed to various IFD partners and at IFD’s Fire Safety Olympics, which took place Oct. 2 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The remaining 5,400 will be distributed through IFD’s 44 stations any day between 10 a.m.-7 p.m. while supplies last through Oct. 31. Families must present a fire evacuation plan for their homes to pick up costumes for each of the children. The costumes, for boys and girls, are for children ages 4-12.
“As with our annual toy giveaway in December, I am proud to partner with Pacers Sports & Entertainment to help bring joy to Indianapolis-area children,” said Berman. “That PS&E can in turn partner with the Indianapolis Fire Department and help elevate the discussion of fire safety in Indianapolis homes is a tremendous bonus.”
At a press conference Wednesday in the Entry Pavilion of Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Pacers Head Coach Frank Vogel and Pacers players distributed costumes to area children representing community-serving non-profit agencies.
“It is fun to note that on the same Halloween evening when youngsters are wearing these costumes in pursuit of treats, we hope to treat our fans with a victory over Memphis,” said Vogel. “I know I join our players in thanking Mr. Berman for another amazing donation and I salute another great Indianapolis team – IFD – for its participation in a program that not only puts costumes on children, but might also prevent a tragedy.”
COSTUME DISTRIBUTION DETAILS:
44 IFD Stations, IFD Headquarters – 5400 costumes are to be distributed among the 44 IFD Stations and IFD Headquarters. Costumes will be available from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. through Oct. 30th while supplies last. Families must present a home fire evacuation plan to receive costumes.
Fire Safety Olympics – 750 costumes were given to 1st and 2nd grade students who attended the 14th Annual Fire Safety Olympics last week at Indiana State Fairgrounds.
IFD Survive Alive – 1200 costumes are being given to Kindergarten – 3rd grade students attending the Survive Alive Program during October
IFD Fire and Life Safety Public Education Division – 1000 costumes will be given to area students who have a fire and life safety educator attend their class and give a fire safety presentation during October
IFD Black Firefighters Association – 600 costumes will be distributed to children in the area of 42nd & College who rely on the BFA’s presence in their community.
Firefighters Emerald Society – 800 costumes were distributed to four area parochial schools: Holy Cross, St. Phillip Neri, Little Flower and Our Lady of Lourdes.
Family Evacuation Planning Sheets and Fire Safety Information can be found at the following links and/or location:
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Info Zone (museum admission not required) –Sunday 10-5; Monday Closed; Tuesday-Thursday 10-8; Friday-Saturday 10-5
