MADISON, Ala. — Doomsday Haunted Attraction started accepting donations toward Hurricane Helene relief in early October. Co-Owner Eric Riley was amazed by the end result. He said, "It's nice to use something like a haunted house for good." He also said what they have on site is only a portion of what's being delivered to impacted communities at the end of the month. He said a couple of other haunted houses in the area are collecting supplies. "We don't even really know how much more there's still coming in."
A big portion of donations the haunted attraction received came from James Clemens High School students and faculty. "I saw it and it sort of struck a chord with me," said J.C.H.S. Biology and Marine Science teacher Andrew McKibbin. He found out about the donation drive through social media. "When they saw that damage was there, I think they really decided, hey, we need to help out with this."
The Auburn Graduate rallied together one of the biggest donations of the entire drive, with efforts coming from all parts of the school. "The lunch ladies in our lunchroom, they donated a ton of safety gear," said McKibbin, "got a big push from a bunch of the teachers as well as the administration helped in and donated food items, non-perishables, things like that."
Riley said it took around 30 minutes to bring in the whole donation. "I got to know him pretty good in the time we were unloading this car."
In an unexpected way, a classroom and a haunted house went hand in hand. "A little thing on social media and then it, it's contagious in a good way," said Riley.
"It really showed the sense of community that I think the school fosters," said McKibbin.
Doomsday said the relief efforts gathered will go toward the communities affected most by the storm. Donations can still be made until November 23rd. It's the same day as one of their major Airsoft events happening from 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. Doomsday said, "The Rocket 95.1 was a huge help with promoting the donations during our Halloween Smashing Pumpkins event. In order to even smash a pumpkin to win a prize, you had to bring a donation."