On October 31, 2010, just before dark, car loads of costumed Oglethorpe students headed out into local neighborhoods and go door-to-door for a different kind of trick-or-treating.  Instead of collecting candy, these Petrels will gather canned foods from neighborhood families to donate to those in need.These students are part of an organized effort called Hallow’s Eve Diversion, a canned food drive based at Georgia Gwinnett College.  The event involves groups from several Atlanta-area colleges, and, together they collected over 13,000 cans of food in the Halloween of 2009.”It’s such a team effort, it’s hard not to bond with the people in your car,” said Annie Morgan ’12.  “Last Halloween was cold and rainy, but no one said anything about wanting to get it over with or wishing they hadn’t come.  Plus, at the headquarters where you drop the cans off, there are lots of college students sorting through food and music is playing….it’s sort of a party.  The mission that underlies the event only makes it better—you’re having fun and you’re making the world a better place.”

Halloween also comes with a civic twist for other OU students.

For Alpha Phi Omega’s Trick or Treat in Traer residence hall, tiny costume-clad kids ran through the dorm courtyard in search of goodies.  For years, this service fraternity has organized the event, which featured a haunted house and Halloween-themed crafts for their pint-sized guests from the neighborhood.

Just on the other side of campus, Greek Row welcomed the Boys & Girls Club for an evening of old-fashioned candy, treats, and Greeks. Sigma Alpha Epsilon offered a haunted house, while the ladies of Tri Sigma and Chi Omega had fun with face painting and decorating treat bags.  The women of Chi O have also been selling candy this week to OU students, faculty, and staff in support of the Make A Wish Foundation.

“The kids’ excitement was contagious and all of their costumes were awesome,” said Michelle Maurin, a Chi O sister.  “Chi Omega’s support of Make a Wish Foundation, as well as our contribution to the community during the holiday season, is something I value very much. It makes my own holiday experience more enjoyable knowing that my sisters and I have taken the time to help other families and children create memories and holiday traditions they will always remember. Our involvement in the community and the hope that it inspires is much more important than any party!”

This is a Halloween at Oglethorpe.