JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Trick-or-treating has been a long-time tradition, celebrated by taking part in carving and coloring pumpkins into your favorite scary Halloween decor and placing them in homes and businesses.
For the past few years, three organizations have used pumpkins to raise awareness to help children with disabilities, such as food allergies and Autism, feel friendlier during the trick-or-treating season.
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Over the past few years, organizations have been making specific colored pumpkins to raise awareness.
Which colored pumpkins raise awareness?
Teal Pumpkin— Teal Pumpkin Project: These buckets will let homes know trick-or-treaters need allergy-free food options. These homes will allow homeowners or businesses to offer children safe, non-food treats or toys.
Purple Pumpkin—The "Purple Pumpkin Project" raises awareness for epilepsy. It was created in 2012 by a father in Connecticut after his son’s diagnosis.
Over 3.4 million people are living with epilepsy in the United States, according to the Purple Pumpkin Project.
“Display your Purple Pumpkin and post your story and photos on your fundraising page and via social media to build awareness about epilepsy and support the Epilepsy Foundation in the fight to END EPILEPSY,” the website said.
Blue Pumpkins aims to raise awareness for children with Autism. Although these pumpkins aren’t associated with any organization, they help bring awareness.
Fun Fact - Blue pumpkins are native to the Americas and are one of the rarest pumpkin colorings.
Next time you’re trick or treating, look out for the different pumpkins.