Dozens of Clinton County volunteers will haunt the basement of the Clinton County Home at 1501 Burlington Ave. in Frankfort over the next few weeks. Jennifer Davis, team lead for “7 Lights of Trepidation,” says their main goal is to raise money, but their second goal is to make people scream. “I’m not going to lie, we want to scare you,” Davis says. “Our volunteers put countless hours into building rooms that tap into your worst nightmares.”
The haunted house has been a staple at the county home for a decade, raising several thousand dollars each year so the staff can buy holiday gifts for the residents, many of whom are homeless, elderly, and disabled.
“For many, this is the only Christmas they’ll get. They don’t have family nearby,” says Chris Overman, county home administrator. “This allows our nurse to purchase gifts off their wish lists, wrap them, and have them delivered by Mr. and Mrs. Claus at our annual holiday party.”
Davis, a local artist, got involved with the haunted house after moving to Clinton County. What started as something fun to do has turned into a calling.
“From August until November, this is pretty much my full-time job, but it’s worth doing,” Davis says. “There are some very sweet people who live in this building, and having fallen on hard times myself, it means a lot to know this event will deliver them a happy holiday.”
Haunted house volunteers build all of their props from scratch, so they’re always happy to accept donations.
“We try to keep admission low, but Halloween is expensive,” Davis adds. “So, if anyone wants to help, we’re always looking for donated supplies like wood, zip ties, paint, nails, and tools. We use it all.”
This year’s haunted house will open on Friday the 13th. Hours are 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Oct. 13, Oct. 14, Oct. 20, Oct. 21, Oct. 27, and Oct. 28. No-scare flash-light tours are also available upon request. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children 8 and under with all the proceeds benefiting the county home. If you have any questions, or would like to volunteer, contact Davis at (317) 675-6075.
Tammy Sander contributed to this article.