This year during the COVID-19 pandemic, Halloween was a little different for most folks. However, that didn’t stop many from putting their creativity on full display for all to see. In fact, many created decorative table displays with individually wrapped bags of treats; even special delivery shoots to distribute the sweet stuff without risking contact. And you can bet these unmanned candy displays were raided thoroughly by legions of masked youngsters looking to fill their bags and buckets with goodies. However, many showed restraint, ensuring that other trick or treaters had their turn to score some candy. Unfortunately, one family wasn’t able to provide candy this year, and to warn the costumed kiddos of their situation; they put up a neon sign in their front yard that read:
“Sorry, no candy. Child with cancer. See you next year!” “Cool costume” and “Have fun!” were also written in the corners.
The sign was intended to help kids manage their expectations when they approached the candy-less residence; however, the kiddos’ reactions melted the family’s hearts.
“I can’t stop crying,” Thomas wrote and shared with Love What Matters. “If anyone thought there was no hope in our kids and teens, you’re wrong.”
“The SOLE purpose of us putting this sign in our yard today was so kids wouldn’t run to our door and be disappointed. (Our neighborhood usually gets 300-400 kids.)”
“I looked on our doorbell camera tonight and saw that kids had been stopping at the sign. My husband and I just went outside and found this…”
Just underneath the sign was a decent pile of candy along with goodie bags. These offerings came from local children who saw the sign and wished to show their support in the form of sugary happiness.
“The picture doesn’t do it justice; it’s a LOT and the good stuff even,” Thomas continued. “Seriously… If the parents of anyone who did this see this, PLEASE tell them how much it means to us and our kiddos. On the best candy night of the year, ids freely and generously shared with strangers and showed so much love and kindness. So amazing!
If you want some faith in humanity, I would like to tell you I just read a post where this mom put out a sign saying "No candy, child with cancer, see you next year" because they weren't going to give out candy due to their kid being sick and they didn't want kids coming to the-
— Chels ⛸💜🐱 🐇 (@heartsdesire456) November 1, 2020
The mom’s post ended up being shared over 360,000 times, going crazy viral. Folks from all over the world responded, amazed at the kind-hearted-trick-or-treaters. They also shared some of their own personal stories about childhood cancer battles while offering the family their best wishes.
“Edited: WOW at the responses and shares,” Thomas updated her post. “Thank you to everyone for your kind words and prayers! We serve a mighty and faithful God, nd we hold tight to the promise of Romans 8:28, ‘And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.’ Romans 8:28 ESV.”
Family post sign saying 'No candy. Child with cancer.' So kids shared their treats with them instead https://t.co/RdvfUqEhvC
— Sylvia S. Hill (@SylviaSHill) November 4, 2020
“Childhood cancer is something we wish no family ever had to endure, but there is so much love, hope, and support!”
'If anyone thought, there was no hope in our kids and teens you're wrong,' Courtney Thomas shared. https://t.co/QBcPkCkpge
— The Western Journal (@WestJournalism) November 2, 2020
You can watch a news report about this beautiful display of kindness in the video below.