Man creates haunted forest, invites neurodivergent students to celebrate Halloween
You probably know someone who takes Halloween a little too far with tons of decorations.
Colorado's Kevin Holt is that way — but his haunted forest has a bigger purpose.
"They all stand at the house and they all collectively say 'Thank you, Mr. Kevin,' and it just melts my heart," Holt said.
His skeletons light up both the night and the children's faces.
"It's just absolutely amazing when you have somebody like Kevin in the community who steps up and gets us," Stults said.
For four years now, he's invited the neurodivergent students at the Rise Up School in Colorado Springs to walk through for free.
"It looks pretty cool, it's pretty festive," one student said.
"They talk about it. They look forward to it," Stults said.
For these families, enjoying holidays like Halloween can sometimes be a challenge.
"It's a lot of work. They don't have a lot of support," Stults said.
"He doesn't really trick or treat. We've tried over the years, but it's just not his thing," Buckham said.
Kevin makes it easy.
"I get to bring him out here and he can experience all of these things, at least on whatever level that he gets it," Buckham said.
"It's one of the most unique, warming feelings that a guy can ever have, that truly you're giving back from your heart. Feels that somebody really does appreciate what you do, and they love you," Holt said.
All while Kevin helps these kids love Halloween.
