Temple students, staff and neighborhood partners joined forces to make Halloween extra special for North Philadelphia children with the fifth annual Trunk-or-Treat at Dunbar Elementary School and the the Avenue of Treats along Cecil B. Moore Avenue.
The Temple and North Philadelphia communities came together for a Trunk or Treat, organized by Temple’s Black Law Students Association, Pre-Law Division.
Halloween came early for North Philadelphia, as the parking lot at the Paul L. Dunbar School turned into a ghoulish gathering on Monday, Oct. 26, when Temple University students and community partners came together to host about 100 children and their families for a Trunk or Treat.
“It makes us so happy that we can put this event on for another year and ensure that the children in our shared North Philadelphia community have a great Halloween experience,” said criminal justice major Mickayla Williams, Class of 2027, president of Temple’s Black Law Students Association (BLSA), Pre-Law Division, which hosted the event for the fifth year.
Trunk or Treat invites young children to wear costumes and spend time with friends and family while enjoying dancing, face painting and plenty of candy.
“Our goal is to really make it feel inclusive for everyone. We want the area to have a great experience right before Halloween,” Williams said.
More than 30 student organizations came together to decorate their spaces and interact with families who come by.
“It was so great to have our children connect with Temple students in a safe space,” said Tamara Albert, a mother from North Philadelphia.
Williams began planning the Trunk or Treat in late August, first reaching out to Dunbar elementary school before coordinating with university partners, including Temple’s Office of Community Affairs and Engagement. Andrea Swan, director of community and neighborhood affairs, helped ensure the event’s logistics came together smoothly.
“Ms. Swan was instrumental in helping bring everything together. She made sure we had enough tables and helped coordinate the many details that go into putting on an event like this,” Williams said. “Having her support made the planning process so much easier and allowed us to focus on making the day special for the children and families who came out to celebrate.”
Swan credited the students who run the event.
“These students are here to pursue their education while balancing jobs, internships and the many demands of college life. Despite their busy schedules, they continue to make time to give back to the community. I really commend our BLSA team for their commitment to putting the community first and making a meaningful difference in the lives of North Philadelphia families,” Swan said.
Trunk or Treat is one of a few Halloween events involving Temple students and staff. Swan said her office also participates in the Avenue of Treats, which is organized by Beech Companies, a North Philadelphia nonprofit involved in community development, neighborhood revitalization and more. It held its 17th annual Avenue of Treats along Cecil B. Moore Avenue on Friday, Oct. 30, offering candy, face painting and apple cider for the adults, which drew hundreds of children and their families.
Swan said the university’s involvement in both events is about continuing to build relationships between the Temple and North Philadelphia communities.
“I’ve seen firsthand how our North Philadelphia neighbors look forward to getting treats, engaging with our students and having a great time,” she said. “It’s important that families have a space where they can enjoy the evening and get to know the university on a more personal level.”
Christine Brown, director of community services for Beech Companies, said Temple has been involved since it began in 2006.
“The Avenue of Treats event is a staple for the Cecil B. Moore community of North Philadelphia. We are thrilled to organize this event, and so many young people and their parents look forward to it, too. We thank Temple for its support and participation over the years,” Brown said.
Swan said the events also give younger neighbors a look at what college could mean for them.
“For many of our young neighbors, looking at our students, they’re older versions of what they will be,” she said. “So this is really a great way to encourage our young neighbors to see Temple as part of their future.”
