Jennifer said when they began charging admission , they wanted to give something back to the community . This is when they began their Christmas outreach .
After taking a break , the couple re-introduced the Haunted Mansion in Comanche in 2022 when they partnered with Masonic Lodge # 41 .
The haunted festivities continued for two weekends , bringing in 350 people and funds to go toward helping families out .
The Morris family feels thankful for those with the Lodge for splitting the use of the building to bring this year ’ s haunted mansion to the community .
In turn , Charles said the proceeds help many people , including single moms in the community when it comes to buying Christmas presents for their kids .
“ I grew up with a single mom ,” he said . “ It ’ s hard for her to do certain things , so I understand the struggle with single moms — and ( what ) the kids go through … I know there ’ s people that helped my mom out . So helping other people out — it ’ s kind of a full circle .”
Jennifer said when they hear someone say they can ’ t afford a necessary bill or they can ’ t afford food or to buy a present for their child at Christmas , they want to fulfill that need .
“ You just have to open your ears and listen ,” she said .
According to Charles , they find most of the people they help by engaging those around them . “ We went to a restaurant one time ,” he said . “ This mom couldn ’ t afford food for her — she said , ‘ girls this is a special day for you guys , I ’ m going to
CHARLES AND JENNIFER MORRIS PICK OUT TOYS AHEAD OF THIS WIN- TER ’ S CHRISTMAS SEASON . THE COUPLE USES PROCEEDS FROM THEIR HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS TO HELP OTHERS AROUND CHRISTMAS .
get you something .’”
Charles said their heart just went out to the mom sacrificing a meal for her kids .
“ We told the waitress to have her order something ,” he said . “ We took care of the bill .”
The couple also helps by taking a few angels from Angel Trees around the community and fulfilling their needs . They also participate in a few toy runs .
The Morris family said they have friends who will let them know of families struggling to get by . This could even include a school nurse who interacts with students and may see a child come in every day in old and dirty clothes .
These people ask for sizes needed and when the child comes back to school , the nurse can provide that student with what they need .
“ One person may only need $ 50 ,” Charles said . “ Then another person would need $ 200 or $ 300 , so we try to help as many people as we can with the amount of money we have .”
“ We hear people throughout the year that can ’ t do stuff ,” he said . “ The first of the year , some kids can ’ t afford shoes for school , we ’ ll go find out what ( they ) need .
“ It ’ s also a surprise to the family ,” he said .
Even on Christmas Eve , the couple has continued to spread the holiday spirit throughout the county just by delivering presents to a front porch and contacting the parents to let them know there are gifts waiting for them .
“ If the mom says , ‘ hey , I can ’ t do Christmas ,’” he said , “ I ’ ll write down what the kids need and we ’ ll go out and get it for them and it ’ ll show up Christmas Eve .”
The Morris ’ said for anyone wanting to contribute and help out , they can be reach them at The Haunted Yard Facebook page , as well on their personal Facebook pages .
“ If people are willing to help ,” he said . “ That ’ s just more that we can do .” DM
DUNCAN MAGAZINE | WINTER 2022 21