News and Public Media for North Central Florida

Area agencies host Trunk-or-Treat event for community children

Four-year-old Margaret “Magpie” Micheal is given candy during Trunk or Treat, hosted by Family Promise of Gainesville, while dressed as Bluey, a fictional character from an Australian kids show, for Halloween in Gainesville, Fla., on Oct. 31, 2023. (Gabriel Velasquez Neira/ WUFT News)
Volunteers finish decorating their trunks for children to come by and receive treats. (Noyana Pierre-Louis/WUFT News)

Family Promise of Gainesville hosted Trunk or Treat on Tuesday for families and children who are experiencing homelessness.

Several agencies, organizations and individuals participated in the event held in Family Promise's parking lot where they offered candy, treats and information on various agencies serving the community. 

Volunteers with Gators for Good were there as part of the Days of Service leading up to President Ben Sasse's inauguration on Thursday, Nov. 2. 

Family Promise youth advocates Arianna Wise and Amaya Atkins organized the event.

Family Promise of Gainesville youth advocates Amaya Atkins (left) and Arianna Wise (center) pose before helping volunteers set up their cars. (Noyana Pierre-Louis/WUFT News)

Atkins said they could get more involvement from the younger people through this service as well. They contacted business owners and community members through the Family Promise of Gainesville. Wise said local businesses also contribute to engage with the youth in the community.

"We got everybody to come out, decorate their trunks, and all the businesses hand out their information to spread support, awareness, and information," she said. 

Event coordinator Latashia Brimm explained the purpose of the days of service throughout the week.

"This is what we're doing. These are some of the community partners that we work with to provide sustainable volunteer service for Gainesville and surrounding areas," she said. 

University of Florida students signed up to be involved in events like this Trunk or Treat through the Gators for Good page on the Brown Center for Leadership and Service website.

Brimm said that throughout the year, the center hosts volunteer events to support the community. 

Noah Haywood, center, is given candy during Trunk or Treat, hosted by Family Promise of Gainesville, while dressed as The Mandalorian for Halloween in Gainesville, Fla., on Oct. 31, 2023. (Gabriel Velasquez Neira/ WUFT News)

The University of Florida’s Health Street gives out toys during Trunk or Treat on Halloween in Gainesville, Fla., on Oct. 31, 2023. (Gabriel Velasquez Neira/ WUFT News)

Shari Jones, Executive Director of Family Promise of Gainesville, holds her daughter during Trunk or Treat in Gainesville, Fla., on Oct. 31, 2023. (Gabriel Velasquez Neira/ WUFT News)

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Noyana is a reporter for WUFT News who can be reached by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.