Doomsday Haunted Attraction Rallies Community for Hurricane Helene Relief
Madison, Alabama – As October swept in with the spirit of Halloween, the Doomsday Haunted Attraction opened its doors not just to frights, but to a chance to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Co-Owner Eric Riley expressed his admiration for the generous outpouring of donations, stating, “It’s nice to use something like a haunted house for good.” With the aid of local communities, the haunted house has become a beacon of support for those affected by the devastating storm.
A Community United
Riley shared that what they have on-site is just a glimpse of the total donations being collected. “We don’t even really know how much more there’s still coming in,” he remarked, pointing out that other haunted attractions in the region have joined the initiative. The collaboration showcases the vibrant community spirit of Madison as residents come together in tough times.
A significant part of the donations flooded in from James Clemens High School (J.C.H.S.) students and faculty. Biology and Marine Science teacher Andrew McKibbin found out about the donation drive via social media. “When they saw that damage was there, I think they really decided, hey, we need to help out with this,” he explained. Inspired to make a difference, McKibbin led a passionate effort by students and faculty, resulting in one of the most substantial contributions to the initiative.
Teachers, Lunch Ladies, and Students – Oh My!
The community effort was impressive indeed! McKibbin highlighted various contributions from the school, noting, “The lunch ladies in our lunchroom donated a ton of safety gear.” Teachers and the administration pitched in, donating food items and non-perishables, ensuring essential supplies would reach those in dire need. The energy was palpable as Riley recounted, “It took around 30 minutes to bring in the whole donation. I got to know him pretty good in the time we were unloading this car.”
The partnership of a haunted attraction and a classroom is unexpected, yet Riley couldn’t help but marvel at how social media propelled their cause. “A little thing on social media and then it’s contagious in a good way,” he said, highlighting the collaborative goodwill of the school and community. McKibbin agreed, stating, “It really showed the sense of community that I think the school fosters.”
Continuing Efforts & Future Events
The relief efforts will be directed toward the communities hardest hit by Hurricane Helene, extending a lifeline to those who need it most. Donations will continue to be accepted until November 23rd, coinciding with one of Doomsday’s major Airsoft events, running from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It’s a perfect opportunity for the community to have fun and give back at the same time!
In a creative twist, the event’s promotion included a quirky way to contribute: during the Halloween Smashing Pumpkins event, participants were required to bring donations in order to smash pumpkins for a prize. This unique incentive was highlighted by the support of local radio station, who played a significant role in spreading the word about the relief efforts. Riley acknowledged their contribution, describing the engaged community that continues to grow around this initiative.
As the echoes of laughter and excitement fill the air at Doomsday Haunted Attraction, the spirit of giving shines even brighter, proving that in times of need, the community truly rallies together.
