Halloween Doesn’t Just Have To Be About Candy…

Taylor Trovillion is a member of the YSA Youth Council. Originally from San Diego, CA she is a senior at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She serves as the National Youth Chair for the March of Dimes Foundation, whose mission is to prevent the occurrences of premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality. Taylor is also tasked with coordinating the work of eighteen college student's across the country who comprise the National Youth Council.

Too old to trick-or-treat? Don’t have a sweet tooth? There are a number of ways to celebrate Halloween without trick-or-treating and eating lots of candy. Below is a list of five ways you can incorporate service into Halloween:

1. Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF: This is a very popular alternative Halloween event to trick-or-treat for loose change and donate to provide children with healthcare and food in third world countries. Request a box from UNICEF by calling 1-800-FOR-KIDS or visiting your local CROCS store. After you’ve collected donations, send them to UNICEF. For more information visit: Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. 
2. Partner with a local Food Bank: Instead of trick-or-treating for candy, ask for canned goods and bring them to your local food bank. Several food banks across the country are in serious need of donations, especially leading into the holiday season. To find a local food bank, visit Feeding America’s website.
3. Volunteer: Every year communities across the country hold carnivals, hay rides, and Fall festivals where you can volunteer. Remember to ask friends and family to join your efforts. I have a great time painting faces at Milwaukee’s Children Museum Halloween event every year!
4. Go Green: For those who are eco-friendly, I encourage you to make a statement; ever thought about making a recyclable costume? Get creative and visit a local thrift store to buy costume pieces or make one out of recycled cans, bottles, or bags. Need inspiration? Check out how contestants on the popular reality TV show “Project Runway” used recycled materials to make outfits.  
5. Promote literacy: Dress up as your favorite storybook character and trick-or-treat for used books. You can donate collected books to Books for America or Got Books.

Happy Halloween!