PARTY CITY AND BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA
PARTNER TO MAKE HALLOWEEN SAFE AND FUN!

ROCKAWAY, N.J. – October 23, 2008 – The latest U.S. Census Bureau shows that more than 36.1 million trick-or-treaters will be descending on neighborhoods across America this Halloween. Party City, America’s largest party goods retailer, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America are offering valuable safety tips to make sure families have a fun and safe Halloween.

To ensure that costumes are both fun and safe, Party City is offering an assortment of safety accessories so that every princess, ghoul and ghost can be seen while trick-or-treating. Safety accessories include our Pumpkin Flashlight, Halloween Safety Flasher Clip, and Pumpkin Bat and Ghost Flashlight with lights and sound.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) suggests parents can find fun and safe activities in their communities by visiting www.bgca.org to locate a local Boys & Girls Club. In support of the organization’s efforts to provide a safe place for kids, Party City plans to raise funds through the sale of specially designed “Nick or Treat” Halloween stickers featuring popular Nickelodeon characters like Spongebob and Dorah the Explorer.

Starting October 1, Party City customers will be able to purchase the sticker pack for $1 at their local store with all proceeds benefitting Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

With a long night of trick-or-treating approaching, the following are some additional safety tips from Party City and Boys & Girls Clubs of America :

General Safety

• For fun and safe activities in your community, visit www.bgca.org to find your local Boys & Girls Club.

• Keep kids out of unfamiliar neighborhoods and away from homes that are not lit for trick-or-treaters.

• Masks should not be worn while walking from house to house, crossing a street, driveway or alley. Always make sure the mask fits securely and that eyeholes allow for unhindered visibility.

• Costumes should be tried on and adjusted to ensure a proper fit and to avoid tripping or falling.

• Also consider adding reflective tape to treat buckets and costumes.

• Make sure that children are wearing watches that easily show the time - even in the dark.

• Tell children to bring back all treats so you can inspect them for tampering. Be sure to throw out any candy that is not sealed or securely wrapped.

• Check to make sure that flashlights or lanterns have fresh new batteries before trick-or-treaters head out with them.

• Give children cell phones or money for payphones in the event of an emergency. Be sure kids know their home phone number and how to call 911, if necessary.

Home Safety

• Keep your home safe for trick-or-treaters and be sure to remove from your porch, front steps or yard any objects that could be tripped over, such as garden hoses, lawn decorations or children's toys.

• Be sure to check outdoor lights, making sure the exterior of your home is well lit and that burned out bulbs are replaced.

• Sweep up wet leaves and remove them from your front steps and walkways.

• Remember fire safety when decorating and be sure not to overload electrical outlets or block exit doors.

• Never leave a lighted candle or jack o' lantern unattended!

About Party City
Party City Corporation is America's largest discount party goods chain. Party City currently has more than 500 company-owned and franchise stores in the United States and Puerto Rico. To learn more about Party City, call 1-800-477-4841 or visit the company's website at www.partycity.com. 

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Boys & Girls Clubs of America comprises a national network of more than 4,300 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving some 4.8 million young people through membership and community outreach, in all 50 states and on U.S. military bases worldwide. Known as “The Positive Place for Kids,” the Clubs provide guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize leadership development, education and career exploration, financial literacy, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation, and family outreach. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.

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