Some parents are finding inventive ways to curb the craze. Erica Boilen of Morganville, New Jersey posted on Facebook that she gets the "Mom of the Year" award. Her 11-year-old son was flipping bottles while she was on the phone, and she finally looked at him and yelled, "If you don't stop I'm gonna find the clown and have him scare you."

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Tracy Woodard from InTown Cares (left) and Lauren Hopper from Mercy Care organization work with residents at the Copperton Street encampment in August 2024. 
(Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez