Dubuque Couple Collects Donations at Halloween Display
Residents Jennifer Edwards and Mark Williams are gathering supplies for the homeless at their annual holiday exhibit.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Dubuque residents Jennifer Edwards and Mark Williams are using their elaborate Dead Man's Curve Cemetery Halloween display to collect donations for the local homeless population. The couple is accepting socks, coats, supplies, and cash throughout the month of October.
Why it matters
The effort aims to provide essential resources for Dubuque residents in need while bringing the community together for the holiday. Jennifer Edwards initiated the drive based on her own past experiences with near-homelessness.
The couple has invested $50,000 in their seasonal display over the last two decades. The collection site is located at their residence at 3750 Mount Alpine Street.
The players
Jennifer Edwards
Jennifer Edwards is a Dubuque resident who co-hosts the annual Halloween display and donation drive.
Mark Williams
Mark Williams is a Dubuque resident who co-hosts the Halloween exhibit alongside Jennifer Edwards.
The details
Visitors to the Dead Man's Curve Cemetery can drop off items in-person or send contributions via mail. The hosts also distribute candy to visitors who stop by during scheduled evening hours throughout the month.
Timeline
The donation drive and display operations run throughout October 2026.
Donations and trick-or-treating occur Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Market Landscape
This initiative follows the pattern set by neighborhood-based charitable micro-philanthropy by leveraging a residential hobby to address local social needs. It reflects a broader trend of private citizens utilizing local residential visibility to organize grassroots support for marginalized community groups.
Residents can support the drive by dropping off winter gear or cash donations at 3750 Mount Alpine Street during scheduled weekend hours. Those unable to visit in person may also contribute by mailing items or funds to the couple's home.
The takeaway
Residents looking to contribute can maximize their impact by focusing on the requested items like socks and coats as temperatures begin to drop. Aligning holiday traditions with seasonal community needs provides a practical way for neighbors to support local social services.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts in the Dubuque Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kcrg.
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