The store will donate five to 10 costumes to needy children this year. It is their second year helping dress children for Halloween.

Last October the Jains were surprised when individuals and schools approached the store looking for costume donations.

"We never even thought people would need to ask for a costume," Vandana Jain said. She and her husband have owned the store, which specializes in dance shoes and clothing and costumes for all occasions, for two years.

After people requested Halloween costume donation help last October, the Jains decided to expand their efforts and try to get the word out earlier this year.

The costumes being donated were worn only once, during a St. Francis Cabrini School and Church annual carnival fundraiser, Fiesta, where children participating in the Willow Glen Center Stage Dance Company performed on Oct. 11.

At Fiesta, children from Mary Muntz's Center Stage Dance Company performed a dance she had choreographed wearing dance costumes that the Jains offered at discounted prices to her students. After the dance, Muntz had children model the Halloween costumes.

"One little girl who was five and wore the cheerleader costume couldn't have been happier," Muntz said.

So instead of selling the various costumes that were used during the dance show and Halloween costume exhibition, the Jains decided to donate the used costumes.

Muntz said she was not surprised that the Jains had decided to donate some costumes to needy kids because Nick Jain has offered discounted and helpful services before.

This is also not the first time the two businesses have assisted each other. On Founder's Day 2002, Muntz's students wore leotards from Jain's store for their dance. Muntz recommends the store to her students because it carries all the necessary dancewear and will special-order hard-to-find items.

This year the store has an even larger selection. The store was recently remodeled—increasing the store space by 600 square feet—by moving its office to the second floor. With the enlarged layout, they have added $10,000 worth of Halloween costumes this year, Vandana Jain said.

"We have costumes hanging from every corner," she said.

The store also expanded its make-up section and hopes to hold an event to help children with "Halloween makeovers" like monster make-up near Halloween Day.

The Jains bought the business from former owner Joe Reinke because of their own interest in dance. Nick Jain likes to dance ballroom, salsa and rumba, and Vandana Jain enjoys salsa dancing. The store is a mix of costume and dance merchandise.

"Dancing was our hobby, and we made it our business," she said.

The Jains also took their business to schools and ballet companies to streamline the equipment ordering for teachers and students. Their store recently fitted the dance team at Lincoln High School with shoes, as well as local ballet companies.

"If we make a whole kit, the parents don't have to run around to different shops, and teachers are really happy with that," she said.

She said if she and her husband cannot help schools and families, there is no point in operating their store.

To inquire about a donated costume, ask for Nick or Vandana Jain at Victoria's Dance­Theatrical Supply, 1331 Lincoln Ave., 408.295.9316.