It’s the gourd that keeps on giving.
Donations are still rolling in for Pittsburgh’s Project Bundle-Up, thanks to the dedication of one Aspinwall resident.
Joel “The Pumpkin Guy” Keefer, 70, of Fourth Street began carving elaborate oversized pumpkins for the public 25 years ago.
After collecting and donating $89,000 over the last decade, Keefer said, he expects to hit $100,000 this season.
Anonymous donors contribute a substantial sum, and last week Keefer said he was thrilled to receive a check for $1,000 from one donor.
More than 500 trick-or-treaters visited this year’s “Alice In Wonderland” inspired Cheshire cat-themed pumpkin on Halloween.
Keefer’s pumpkins sport a different theme annually and always weigh in at more than 1,000 lbs.
This year’s gourd hails from Ohio and weighs 1,300 lbs.
The pumpkin will remain on display on a flat-bed trailer outside the Keefer residence for about two more weeks.
Keefer said he’s collected more than $3,200, an increase from his usual $1,500 collected.
“It’s amazing,” said Keefer.
”I have one local man who gives me about $4,000 every year—I can’t tell you who though,” Keefer said.
Keefer said he’s received a record amount of $20 bill donations and is now receiving monies from second generations.
“One man came by with his son on Halloween night and told me he was here when he was a young boy,” Keefer said.
Donations will be accepted through November and donated to Project Bundle-Up the first week in December.
Make an online donation here or drop off donations at Keefer’s residence located at 34 Fourth Street, Aspinwall, PA 15215. Donations made out to Project Bundle-Up can be mailed there as well.
