HAMPTON ROADS, Va. - If you see teal pumpkins on a porch this Halloween, it’s not a trick!
Teal pumpkins are used to signify that a house is giving out allergy-friendly options, like stickers, glow sticks, and other treats.
One Newport News mother told News 3 she puts out a teal pumpkin to promote inclusivity.
“I find it to be an easy source of joy for people who come visit our house,” said parent Cathy Carlton. “It’s not a hard thing to do in addition to having a little candy out."
Hampton mother Edith Grabowsky also participates for different reasons.
“We have a daughter who has autism and she didn’t touch a piece of candy until she was probably 5 or 6," Grabowsky said. “It’s a way to make Halloween more inclusive for her and fun.”
Her oldest daughter has a red dye sensitivity.
“We noticed a change in her behavior, she becomes a little more aggressive and more defiant,” Grabowsky said.
On Wednesday Grabowsky received tons of treats in the mail, including bracelets, temporary tattoos, kaleidoscopes and more. She said she's ready for Halloween.
“That's the highlight for me—seeing how excited kids get when they get something they really aren’t expecting,” Grabowksy said.
More information on the Teal Pumpkin Project can be found here.
