Every year, NorthShore Health Center’s Annual Trunk or Treat Event in Portage draws in the best fairies, superheroes, princesses, clowns, and wizards that NWI has to offer. This year was no different, as hundreds of children lined up to be greeted by workers, have fun, and get some awesome candy. Families enjoyed the event as much as the children, with a closed-in lot at the Neighbors Educational Opportunities (NEO) building providing a safe area to enjoy trick or treating.
Denise Carpenter, Lead Community Outreach Coordinator at NorthShore, has participated in this event for the past five years and continues to enjoy the event every single time.
“This is a good opportunity for us at NorthShore to offer an excellent way to let kids trick or treat,” said Carpenter. “We have a great time and it’s fun for the kids.”
Gervay Dickerson, Lead Event Coordinator at NorthShore and Lead Outreach for Lake County, was responsible for setting up the Trunk or Treat Event this year. Dickerson was thrilled about the turnout for the event and the partnership with NEO as well.
“This whole event was brought together by our partnership with NEO,” said Dickerson. “This space was amazing and perfect for this event and it lets the public learn more about what NEO provides here for students and young adults.”
This is the first year that the trick or treaters we’re allowed inside to enjoy the NEO facilities, which were completely decked out for the festivities. The theme was Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, the Mexican holiday that celebrates loved ones who have passed on. Some of the festivities included a photo shoot, art installations, and proper Dia de los Muertos set ups.
Brooke Allen, Communications & Development Coordinator at NEO and volunteer, was thrilled to provide the building for the Annual Trunk or Treat Event.
“We wanted to use the partnership we had with NorthShore to highlight our students and their talents,” said Allen. “It also allows the trunk or treaters to come in, get warm, and have a hot apple cider as well.”
“I am so happy to see this event going so well, to see so many kids at the event ,” said Adrienne Carrol, Director of Adult Education at NEO. “Every time we partner with NorthShore is always a lot of fun.”
Over
20 volunteers participated this year, meaning lots of candy and good times for
the participants.
“This is the second year we’ve participated,” said Shelly Calinksi, a parent from the Portage area. “It’s definitely something worth bringing your family out for. We’re looking forward to next year already!”
While the goal of the event is spooky fun for kids and families, NorthShore wanted to incorporate healthy values as well. As the event is open for children of all ages, NorthShore made sure there were some treats for the kids who couldn’t eat candy - handing out fun coloring sheets, toothbrushes, and informational packets for parents.
You can learn more about the facilities at NEO by visiting their website at www.neoadulted.org. To learn more about NorthShore Health Centers, find a location, schedule a meeting, and more, please visit their website at www.northshorehealth.org
