TACOMA, Wash. — For many, Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year... but for Marcie Cheung, her time is now.
"I love Halloween because it's a great time to dress up. To become somebody else, to celebrate favorite characters," said Marcie. She has bought hundreds of costume pieces over the years and her search always starts at Goodwill.
"When they come during Halloween it's the best time ever cause there's so many different Halloween costumes. Goodwill actually saves things they think might be costume worthy throughout the year and this is the time it's out."
Equally as excited for the spooky holiday are Goodwill's costume experts Whitney Adams and Morena Ledesma.
"As soon as we put out our Halloween stuff up is when I wanna start dressing up,” said Morena.
It's Whitney and Morena's job to help Goodwill shoppers find the perfect costumes no matter how big or small.
"We help all age ranges here. There's no limit to creativity and wanting to try something new and be someone else for a day," said Whitney.
One of the things they recommend is to know what you want before you come in. "Have an idea of what you'd like to do. But if you don’t, we also help you. And don't be on a specific color. Just because we don't have the color you want, we might have the style you like," said Morena.
Another benefit of shopping here is you'll likely stay within your budget.
"You get them at a decent price at Goodwill. If you want to look at it as a retail price as if you went to a department store we have it here cheaper for you," said Whitney.
But cheaper doesn't mean you can't pull off an expensive look. You never know what comes through Goodwill's donation doors.
Plus, everything shoppers buy goes towards Goodwill's job training programs.
But costumes aren't just for Halloween anymore. From themed parties to cosplay, dressing up as your favorite characters is now a year-round event.
Marcie takes several Disney themed trips with her family.
"We're heading out on a pirate-themed event and so just the other day I found this really cool jacket. And then how fun is this billowy shirt! My husband is going to crack up when I show this to him."
Whether it's for Halloween, comic-con, or your next themed party, Goodwill wants you to know costume shopping doesn't have to be scary.
"Send them down this way we'll help them and guide them where they need to go," said Morena.
This story is sponsored by Goodwill: Olympics & Rainier Region. KING 5's Evening celebrates the Northwest. Contact us: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Email.