Children filled their bags with candy and other treats, and the Gateway Food Pantry’s collection truck was packed with food donations last week during the Arnold Chamber of Commerce’s annual trunk or treat and food drive.
About 3,500 people attended the event on Oct. 23 at Fox Elementary School in Arnold, chamber executive director Courtney Sokolis said.
She said approximately 2,700 children collected candy and treats from 44 businesses and organizations. She also said the pantry’s truck was filled with donations, but as of Monday, she did not know how much money was donated to Gateway, 2024 Key West Drive, in Arnold.
“There was a lot of people,” Sokolis said. “There were probably five trunks that ran out of candy.
“I was very excited for how much food we were able to put into the truck. There were a lot of good things donated from cereal, cereal bars and tons of canned food. We were very happy with the participation and the filling of the truck for Gateway Food Pantry.”
Sokolis said the trunk or treat was successful, and some new elements that were added this year enhanced the event.
The chamber hired entertainers to perform for people as they waited in line to enter the trunk or treat area, and Fox Elementary School opened its gym and a hallway into haunted areas.
“The more we add and grow, it becomes more exciting, and we are seeing a larger turnout,” Sokolis said. “Adding the line entertainers to help the kids distract was a good idea. I think they were super helpful, and they kept everyone calmer and happier.”
Sokolis said Fox Elementary won the award for best decorated space for its haunted hallway and maze. She said members of the Fox High School Theatre Troupe were in the hallway to entertain and scare those who walked through the area.
“It was another bonus for everyone to have free of charge,” Sokolis said of Fox Elementary’s gym and hallway. “What was great for us was to see the high school drama club participate, get dressed up and remain in character. I was proud to see the high schoolers give up their Friday night to be there and have fun. Their jump scares were timed adequately, and they were respectful. They did a fantastic job.”
Sokolis said many children dressed as ninjas and cheerleaders this year.
“I think everybody brought out their ninja swords and masks,” she said. “We had some spooky cheerleaders and non-spooky cheerleaders.”
On Monday, Sokolis said she did not know how much money the chamber collected from the event. She also said the chamber will likely hold the trunk or treat on the week before Halloween again next year.
“I will get that locked in as long as they don’t have a football game,” Sokolis said.
