Roselle couple gifts sprinkle bags for Halloween

A Roselle family wants to keep the Halloween spirit alive by giving out small gifts to children in the community.

John and Teresa Franzen will be giving 100 "sprinkle bags" to children in the village. Sprinkle bags are small gift bags with art supplies and activities for children to play with at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

They've even created a website where residents can order their own.

"Anything we could do to bring some joy to communities during these uncertain times is all we've wanted when starting this adventure," John Franzen said.

Teresa Franzen gave birth to their daughter Quincy last month. While at home with her newborn, Teresa started Quincy's Corner, quincyscorner.com. The full site will launch in December with virtual story times and craft classes hosted by other moms.

John Franzen, a district manager for Mazda USA who formerly taught automotive engineering at South Elgin High School, said the pandemic has given him more time at home with his family to help with the project.

The couple, both 28, split their time between Roselle and Belmont Shores in southern California, where they initially distributed 100 sprinkle bags.

"I think the excitement of just doing something good is so rewarding," Teresa said.

The family will distribute additional bags to Halloween trick-or-treaters in their Roselle neighborhood at 6N705 Valley Road. They will be handed out on a first come, first served basis.

Quincy's Corner plans fundraising to pay for more sprinkle bags, with each dollar raised paying for one bag that will be given away. Teresa said the couple will match up to $500.

The sprinkle bags, a type of DIY arts and craft kit, come with tools and items for young children to play and craft with their parents, including cards, small flags, and candy bag tags.

"Our hope is once a recipient receives a sprinkle bag, just for them to simply continue spreading kindness in whatever way they can," Teresa said.

To find out how to get a sprinkle bag, or make one of your own, visit quincyscorner.com.