Shriners Children’s Erie hosted its fourth annual ‘Trunk or Treat’ event on Tuesday night, providing a safe and fun Halloween experience for patients and their families.
The event, in partnership with Spirit Halloween’s Spirit of Children program, featured over 30 decorated trunks distributing candy, 11 therapy dogs in costume, and free costumes for attendees.
“Trunk or Treat at Shriners Children’s Erie is a great way for patients to have an accessible and inclusive trunk or treat in a safe environment. It has just been an absolute hit so far,” said Izzy Spires, Marketing and Communications Specialist at Shriners.
Kristin Maguire from Childlife Services at Shriners expressed the joy the event brings to both staff and families. “It brings the staff together and it also brings the families and patients together in a setting where we really see each other in a different way,” she said.
Patients like Winter and Liam enjoyed the event, dressing up as their favorite characters. Winter chose to dress as Enid from ‘Wednesday,’ while Liam dressed as Steve from Minecraft, encouraging others to wear their Halloween costumes to the event.
The event not only delighted the children but also provided a unique opportunity for hospital staff to interact with patients outside of a clinical setting, fostering a sense of community and joy.
The ‘Trunk or Treat’ event at Shriners Children’s Erie successfully created a festive and inclusive atmosphere, bringing smiles to the faces of patients, families, and staff alike. With its continued success, the event highlights the importance of community and creativity in making hospital experiences more positive for children.
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