Get your trunks ready

Camp Murray Trunk or Treat event is Oct. 28

By Gary Lott on October 26, 2017

October brings that time of the year to get the junk out of your trunk and fill it with candy for military youth.

The Washington National Guard Child & Youth Programs is hosting its 8th annual Trunk or Treat event for military youth, veterans and their families, Oct. 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. on Camp Murray.

Local businesses and organizations that support the military community are popping their candy-filled trunks open so military families can enjoy a safe trick-or-treating experience.

The event will be held at the brand new Camp Murray Pierce County Readiness Center, and volunteers are still needed to help hand out candy, decorate trunks, assist with running carnival games and more.

"My little boy is two, and we attend the National Guard Trunk or Treat because it's a way for us to see other kids dressed in costumes in the daylight," said Washington National Guard budget analyst Staff Sgt. Michelle Thomas.  "Every year is different, so you never know what kind of fun trunks people will think of."

The purpose of the event is to provide a safe venue for families to trick or treat and interact with one another.

"This is a great event to meet many new faces, enjoy safe Halloween fun before the big day, and for my three boys to interact with some of my fellow servicemembers and their children," said Washington National Guard Sexual Assault & Response Program Coordinator Staff Sgt. Jennika Cardenas.  "I missed the last couple of years due to soccer practice, but we won't be missing this year's event!"

The event relies on community members, organizations and volunteers to help set up their own trunks and hand out candy.  More volunteers with candy-filled trunks are needed to help bring sweet smiles to hundreds of military youth this year.

This event also allows younger military youth to participate in Washington National Guard Child & Youth Programs before they are old enough.

"Typical youth program services aren't available until the child turns six, but this event provides the perfect opportunity for our younger military youth to connect with older kids who have already entered the program," said Washington National Guard Child & Youth Programs manager Robbin Seeberger. "It truly is a memorable moment every year getting to see all of the cute costumes and seeing all of the military families out enjoying Trunk or Treat."

The Washington National Guard Child & Youth Programs is also hosting a Marysville Trunk or Treat Oct. 28, from 4 to 6 p.m.

For more information, to volunteer or to bring a decorated trunk, contact Seeberger at 253.512.7985.