ABA Monthly Member Highlight: S.C.A.R.E. NH
Every month we sit down with one of our amazing ABA members to get to know them a little better! We ask each member the same questions, providing an opportunity for our members to highlight the important work that they do in our communities. If you’re an ABA Member and would like to be considered for future Monthly Member Highlights, please reach out to us via email at info@altonbusinessassociation.com
Q: Tell us about your business?
A: For over 10 years S.C.A.R.E. NH helps break down those financial barriers that prevent children and families from enjoying the magic & mayhem of Halloween. We collect new and gently-used costumes and accessories that are distributed to families across NH and now beyond…at no cost.
At S.C.A.R.E., we believe that every little ghost and goblin deserves to experience everything that is Halloween while wearing that perfect costume. However, we understand that something as silly and simple as a costume can be out of reach for some families. We want to help fix that!
Q: Tell us about yourself:
A: i grew up in small town Maine before moving to NH for college. I tried my hand at a few different jobs but I have always felt drawn to helping others which I learned during my time as a boy scout. I am married to a woman who is my biggest supporter when it comes to the charity. She is also the stepmother to my now adult son who moved out to Michigan. I enjoy the outdoors, reading fantasy novels, and creating things with my hands…which has been helpful in putting together the haunt (S.C.A.R.E. NH’s haunted house) every year.
Q: How did your business get started?
A: I overheard a young girl of maybe 4 years old ask her mother to buy a princess costume for Halloween. The mother responded that they could not afford it right now and it made me ponder how many families might be out there unable to buy costumes for Halloween. I remember back in the day that we sort of made our own. Anyway, my wife suggested we take the costumes my son had outgrown and donate them to someone who could make sure they get to those who need them. After 6 months of searching online, I found a website for a place in Lowell, MA that had not been touched in 5 years. That is when I decided to fill this gap myself and together with some friends, we started S.C.A.R.E. NH.
Q: What has your relationship with the Alton Business Association done for you or your business?
A: We have been introduced to several local businesses in the Lakes Region with big hearts wanting to help us succeed which really in turn makes the communities they call home a better place to live for everyone. S.C.A.R.E. NH has expanded, from 400 costumes in 2021 to 1303 in 2024, a 225.75% increase! Now we grow ever further thanks to our connection with the ABA and we look forward to becoming a bigger part of the association and the community as a whole.
We will be distributing costumes through Lakes Region Community Services this year.
Collection boxes can be found at the following businesses through the Lakes Region.
Sweet Caroline Bakery, Alton
Bricks at the Lake, Wolfeboro
Climaxe Throwing, Belmont
Identity Coffee Co, Meredith
Midnight Moon Tattoo, Meredith
Q: What do you value most about this community?
A: I grew up in a small rural community where everyone knew everyone else. There is a certain semblance of closeness that you can’t get in a bigger city. And seeing a community that is about supporting each other reminds me of those days. We see such turmoil in the world today so it is great to see neighbors helping and supporting neighbors…to know there are still those who care.
Q: Why did you want to open your business in this community?
A: There are no borders in my world of magic & mayhem. You can go to any corner of the world and you will find people who could use a bit of help. And I refuse to stand by watching that struggle when I have a way to help…hopefully.
Q: What business accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: To date – there are several. I mean I never really expected to get bigger than the greater Nashua area…and yet here we are. Officially providing costumes to families of at least 10 communities, including Lakes Region and Seacoast NH. We managed to cross state lines as we begin our trek into southern Maine. And we have started talking with a shelter in Lowell, MA.
S.C.A.R.E. NH has grown beyond anything I had anticipated and the fact that more and more communities are reaching out to partner with us blows my mind.
Q: What does the future hold for you and your business?
A: As I previously stated, I didn’t expect it to become such a beast. We have been talking about what is next for us. We already have to get a bigger storage unit to hold all the costumes. We are looking to purchase the box truck to make transporting costumes easier. But that is all still local stuff and we are wondering if opening chapters in other states might be our next big step.
Q: What is one piece of advice you wish you had as a new business member?
A: It really is about who you know. You can’t be afraid to get out there and talk to people because each and every business owner had to start at the beginning. Find people you can talk with and learn from the mistakes they likely made as they started out.
Q: How can people who want to learn more about you or your business get in touch with you?
A: Please check out our website and Facebook, where it tells you more about who we are, ways you can get involved, and has various links for reaching out. Alternatively, they can send an email to scarenh@gmail.com or call us directly at 603-247-0995. Information and schedule for our Haunted House can be found online as well.
Sincerely, Jesse, Head “Haunt-cho” of S.C.A.R.E.
“Saving Halloween, One Costume at a Time.”
