South Tampa residents turn Saturday holiday into a $5,200 community effort

A local family in South Tampa raised more than $5,200 last year to send two children to a recovery camp, a figure that anchors a new fundraising effort for the upcoming holiday weekend. With Halloween landing on a Saturday for the first time since 2020, residents used the day to combine traditional trick-or-treating with specific community projects. The events took place across several streets in the district, featuring distinct traditions that have been maintained for years.

On West Santiago Street, the Freese family linked their holiday activities with a fundraiser for burn survivor camps. Jacob Freese and his wife both suffered burns in a 2016 grill accident. They established their own nonprofit, Bubba's Buddies, to support facilities that allow children recovering from similar injuries to interact with peers. Freese stated that these camps help young survivors build relationships while growing alongside children who have faced comparable experiences. The family aims to exceed the previous year's total of $5,200, which funded trips to Camp Hopetáke for two kids.

Nearby on West Tacon Street, Elizabeth Hudson modified the standard trick-or-treat format to encourage interaction. She allowed children to earn a larger candy bar by performing a talent or telling a joke. Some participants prepared jokes in advance, while others engaged Hudson in a game of hopscotch. Those who impressed her selected a prize from a dedicated wall. Hudson explained that she continues this tradition because the neighborhood enjoys it, though she noted it is especially important for her grandchildren.

On West Rogers Avenue, Steve Odell displayed a collection he has accumulated over four decades. His setup includes inflatable decorations, headstones, and a handmade fire pit. Odell said he enjoys watching children and their parents arrive to view the display. He noted that the collection expands annually, making it increasingly difficult to find room for the new additions.

Odell plans to leave his decorations in place through Sunday night. He stated that he intends to scale up the display further for the Christmas season.

The weekend events represent a convergence of long-standing personal hobbies and organized charitable efforts. The Freese family’s nonprofit work now operates independently of the specific holiday, though the season provides a high-traffic opportunity for donations. The specific focus on burn survivors distinguishes their campaign from general neighborhood fundraisers.