A safe alternative to door-to-door
Church sponsors another year of Trunk 'N Treating
The weather wasn’t all bad for trick or treaters Thursday night. For anyone who participated in Trunk ’n Treat at Harvest Baptist Church, the conditions were perfect.
“Trunk ’n Treat is an opportunity in a family-friendly, friendly, fun way for one-stop shop for all the candy that any kid could ever want,” Jonathan Braunstein, pastor for adult ministries, said.
It’s called Trunk ’n Treat because all treats are inside a trunk (or bucket, or pail or whatever) and everyone is guaranteed a treat. He said 38 trunks were registered and they expected 1,000 children with parents. Braunstein wasn’t sure exactly how long Trunk ’n Treat has been a staple for the church; he estimated it’s been happening for at least 15 years.
Besides the candy, hot chocolate and popcorn were available for everyone.
Angie Whitmore, whose granddaughters were there collecting treats, has only been attending the church since earlier this year and was passing out candy for the first time. She was also impressed by the work the church put into doing the children’s event, especially considering everything was moved inside on short notice.
“I just hope we have enough candy [to pass out],” she said.
Although no one in their family was trunk treating, Nancy and
Gary Wicker wanted to hand out Mild Duds, Kit Kats and Reese’s Cups for the second time. It was also their first time doing it indoors.
“It’s a good outreach to the community,” Nancy said. “It shows support for our children.”
“It gives them a safe place to trick or treat,” Gary added.
Shawn Ickes, handing out candy for the first time while dressed as a
pirate, took the event one step further and came in character.
“It’s for the kids, treats for the kids,” he said while doing his best Blackbeard imitation.
Ickes loved the turnout and said it was a wonderful event to be part
of, but his biggest goal for the night was getting rid of all the candy he
had.
On the other side of the spectrum, Richard Ramos was there with his family getting candy.
Ramos has been a member of Harvest for over a year, but this was his first year attending.
“It’s good for the community,” he said. “I think it’s good to be out here.”
Another aspect of the event he liked: proximity.
“Everybody’s in one area instead of going house-to-house. I think that’s a big deal.”
Ramos plans to come every year it’s available.
Kimberly Shepherd was escorting grandsons Nick and Chris Pater. This was her third year attending what she called
an “awesome” event. She particularly enjoyed how it brought the community together and
helped keep children in one concentrated area without having to deal with weather hazard.
Jamey Brandt was there with Ethan Boggs and wanted to
support family who were there handing out candy.
“I appreciate everybody doing this,” Brandt said. “I think this is a great thing for the kids.”
Boggs, on the other hand, has been going to this for five or six years now.
The only downside to Trunk ’n Treating for Braunstein was that the weather prevented any rides from being placed outside.
But regardless of the conditions outside, his only goal was to provide enjoyment for any family who visited. Judging by the responses and large turnout, it was mission accomplished.