By Madison Fisler Lewis
Oct. 30, 2014. For many years, Appalachian State University has provided a way for local children to celebrate Halloween safely. This year is no different, as ASU will once again host Trick-or-Treat for Tots on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 5-7 p.m. This annual initiative allows the campus’ residence halls to open their doors to excited children and families to trick-or-treat, enjoy games and much more.
“This all started because we wanted to do something for the children in the community on Halloween,” said Shannon Jordan, assistant director of east campus residence life.
“It is hard to trick-or-treat in Boone, with no sidewalks or traditional neighborhoods, so this is a fun and safe way for kids to have fun.”
This year, Trick-or-Treat for tots will be held in the east side residence halls. The participating halls are East, Cannon, Hoey, Lovill, Doughton, White, Cone and Summit. The check in center for the event will be held at the cul-de-sac at the end of Locust Street, right in front of Summit Residence Hall.
Participating families are asked to check in before heading to the festivities.
“We have a main check in station outside of Summit Hall,” Jordan said. “All of the families can check in there. We have a brochure that we will give them that will provide them with a map of where the halls are at.”
This year, the check in station will also feature two large inflatables for kids to play on before they head out to get candy.
Each participating residence hall will have fun and games in the lobby of the buildings. Each individual hall’s activity is planned out by the building’s hall council, which are students elected by their peers in the residence halls.
“There are fun and games in each hall, so it doesn’t matter where you go. But some halls are better than others for really little kids,” said Jordan.
From there, children will be able to go door to door in the residence halls to trick-or-treat in a safe environment. The event is open to Appalachian faculty and staff as well as families in the community.
“Families can go up to the floors and trick-or-treat,” said Jordan. “Each room that is participating will have a pumpkin on the door so parents will know which room is participating. But a lot of times, the students will dress up and sit outside their rooms to give out candy because they are too excited to wait for the knocks!”
New this year is the canned food drive that will be going on during the event. Participants will have the option to donate a canned good item to support the Hospitality House.
“We chose the Hospitality House because a lot of our students and staff have volunteered there and we believe they offer a positive service,” Jordan said. “The canned good is just a suggestion, there is no admission fee for trick-or-treating!”
Parking for the event is available after 5 p.m. in all campus parking lots. To check in, meet at the traffic circle outside of Summit Hall. Please bring a canned good to donate to a local charity. For more information about this event, contact Appalachian’s University Housing at 828-262-2160.
Parents may email Jordan with questions about the event at jordansn@appstate.edu. This event is sponsored by University Housing at Appalachian State University.
You must be logged in to post a comment.