Lindenhurst’s 5th Street Haunt brings Halloween scares and gives back to the community

News 12 thinks they're brave enough. Zombies, skeletons, and a six-foot-three chainsaw clown. Oh, my God! Just some of the scares waiting for visitors at the 5th Street Haunt in Lindenhurst. But behind the frights is a mission that's all about bringing people together. I felt after COVID, there was a lack of Halloween spirit. So I decided to build a free haunted house to have the Lindenhurst community come together and have fun for a good cause. Andrew Traficante started the haunt four years ago, hoping to bring some Halloween spirit. Back to the community after the pandemic. This year, it took about two weeks to get everything set up, with new scares added to keep visitors guessing. But for Andrew, it's about more than just the frights. To me, Halloween is giving back what I got out of it and just having the kids have fun. But the scares are all for a good cause. So far this season, The Haunt has raised more than $2,000 in donations. This is the second year the money is going to Ronald McDonald House Charities, a cause that's personal for Andrew. He says his nephew had a heart condition and the organization helped his family during a difficult time. And it's a support away from home, so I really appreciate the whole cause. Now, four years in, The Haunt continues to give families a place to come together, have some fun, and maybe get a little scared along the way. If you want to get scared, it's open until Sunday. We have all the information on our website, news12.com. In Lindenhurst, Jen Selig, News 12.