Community Kids Treated at the Portage YMCA

Goblins and fairies and superheroes, oh my! Kids in all sorts of costumes came out to the Portage Township YMCA on October 11, 2013, for a Trick or Treat Trail Walk! The YMCA staff strung up the cobwebs, dimmed the lights, and opened the doors to the community, offering kids the opportunity to “trick-or-treat” from local businesses set up along the path.

We wanted to do this for the opportunity to bring families and community businesses together in a safe location,” shared Ross Bunchek, YMCA Director of Healthy Living. “This is a nice opportunity to show that the YMCA is not just for one group of people, but for families, kids, and businesses alike.”

Kids showed up in a variety of costumes, from a mummy wrapped in toilet paper to an elaborate Cat in the Hat. All were excited to break out the Halloween costume early, especially for the opportunity to receive candy! “My sister brings my niece here for pre-school and she invited us to come with,” said Melanie Clark, parent of a few trick-or-treaters. “It sounded like a fun idea! They’re having a good time!

YMCA staff and volunteers helped facilitate the walk, by handing out candy and interacting with the children, oohing and ahhing over the costumes. “I love it!” said Mary Flanagin, volunteer with the YMCA. “Down in corn country, we don’t have anything like this!”

Along with local businesses passing out candy and information, the Portage Police and Fire Department were in attendance. “We’re here promoting Halloween trick-or-treat safety,” stated Assistant Police Chief Bill Mesich. “We’re also here for everyone to love police officers!” he laughed.

At the end of the trail, attendees were treated to even more fun. Kids could create beaded necklaces or stamped works of art. Two bounce houses provided an outlet for all the sugar energy to wear off and Portage Fire Department vehicles allowed kids the opportunity to “touch a truck.”

Cassie Cayetano, School Age Childcare Coordinator at the YMCA, was part of the team who helped this event come to fruition. “This is an awesome event for the community, a safe event for kids, and why not?” she said. “Kids are fun!

To see more photos from the event, click here!