How the Teal Pumpkin Project Helps Families

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — “My two year old has severe, life-threatening food allergies,” says Aletha Flanagan of Chapin For Aletha Flanagan and her son, Braxton, Halloween can be a scary time. “An unwrapped candy bar could be in your child’s bucket, such as a Milky Way, Snickers anything like that could fall out and touch safe candy that he could have. Just from him touching the wrapper then touching his face, his eye, his mouth could cause a reaction for him, ” says Flanagan That’s why she’s taking part in the Teal Pumpkin Project. ‘It gives me hope that my child can have a normal childhood and get to participate in things that every child should get to participate in,” says Flanagan According to foodallergy.org, the project started in Tennessee last year and it’s making its way across the nation. At the Flanagan home, several teal pumpkins are in the front yard and signs line the front door. Crandall Sims reporting, ‘In addition to decorating her home, Aletha has also decorated her mailbox. A posted sign says ‘Non-food treats available here.’ It’s a project that means so much to her and her family and it’s also one she’s raising awareness for on social media.” “The response has been great. There have been a few negative people. I think they just don’t understand, we are not trying to take candy out of Halloween. We are trying to include everyone,” says Flanagan Some of the things Flanagan will hand out include bat rings, spider rings, fake snakes, fake frogs, bubbles and coloring books. Her hope is that the Teal Pumpkin Project will continue to grow so that her family can trick-or-treat safely.