The Oxford Police Department is preparing to put on its 16th annual haunted house that will provide spooks and scares for a good cause. The event will take place over three days, Oct. 27 from 4-6 p.m. and Oct. 28-29 from 6-10 p.m.
Locals can look forward to not only having a lot of fun, but also knowing that their $5 entry fee will help combat domestic violence in North Mississippi. Each year, OPD donates a portion of the proceeds to a charity of its choosing. Funds from this year’s event will be donated to SAFE, Inc. of Tupelo, a safe shelter for victims of domestic violence.
“It’s domestic violence awareness month, so it just made sense. (I was) suggested the safe house,” OPD Captain Alan Ivy said. “They were low on funds, and they are vital to having a place for battered women to go and be taken care of.”
Takiva Bell, executive director of SAFE, Inc., says that the nonprofit was ecstatic after being notified about the donation.
“I am just overjoyed and really pleased that we are partnering, and we’re helping each other out,” Bell said. “We really are a community in a state that offers hope and aid for all individuals of Northeast Mississippi.”
SAFE, Inc., a nonprofit founded in 1976, offers resources such as case management, mental health services, victims advocacy, sexual assault advocacy and court advocacy along with many other services. The safe shelter also offers food, clothing and resources to provide affordable and sustainable housing to help individuals transition out of the shelter.
“This is just another step to really help bridge the gaps in resources that are needed for our victims that we serve through the county, and even those victims that come from Oxford to know that (the Oxford Police Department) understands the need, and they’re willing to help,” Bell said.
The number of families in need increases during the holidays, so new, clean bedding is a must in order to help families find comfort. Funds donated to SAFE, Inc. will directly benefit the shelter, aiding in the purchase of bed frames, mattresses, box springs and sheets.
Representatives from the shelter will also be attending the haunted house, accepting donations of any kind, but SAFE, Inc. is specifically looking for white colored twin, full or queen size sheets, fitted sheets, pillows, pillow cases and towels. These are essentials that must be replaced often.
Ivy says that this year’s event will be the “best and biggest yet” due to its new warehouse location at 10 Industrial Park Drive, which allows for more scenes and room for fun. The three-day event will also include a haunted hayride and trunk-or-treat for the kids.
“There will be stuff for all ages. There’s a lot to offer,” Ivy said. “I honestly believe you get way more than $5 worth out of this house.”
Ivy is in charge of the haunted house each year and helps to create each of the rooms and scenes. He says that the haunted house does not have an age requirement, but warns that it can be a little intense for the younger crowd.
Ages nine and up are recommended for both the haunted house as well as the haunted hayride. All ages are welcome for the trunk-or-treat event that will take place today, from 4-6pm.
Rebecca Lynn Stafford, Oxford native and Tupelo resident, says that she was raised attending OPD’s annual haunted house and is excited to now share the experience with her son for the first time.
“It’s nice to be able to share something that I did when I was his age with him,” Stafford said. “I’m excited to see the difference in what I saw as a child and what I’ll experience now as an adult. Everything is different when you’re 10 versus 30.”
Stafford says that the event will be even better, knowing the money raised by OPD from the haunted house will be donated to combat domestic violence.
“Domestic violence can be a life or death situation. It’s amazing just knowing that your money isn’t being wasted, knowing that it’s actually benefiting someone,” Stafford said. “This is an important organization. Have fun with your kids and save lives.”
