By Jaelon Jackson
School of Social Work
The University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work will host its 5th annual food giveaway and trunk or treat event on campus Saturday, Oct. 19 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The school changed the official name of the event to Ghoulish Goodies and Giving. However, the reasons for the event have not changed.
The Ghoulish Goodies and Giving, Trunk or Treat & Food Giveaway event will be located on UTA’s campus in Parking Lot 49. The large lot is located at 505 Doug Russell Road, at the corner of South Cooper Street and across the street from the School of Social Work’s new building.
More than 150 volunteers representing student organizations, faculty, staff and alumni will participate in the event either with the food giveaway portion or hosting the trunk or treat for kids in the community.
This fun, safe, family-friendly experience usually supports an estimated 1,500 adults and children.
The event is the largest community outreach event of the year for the School of Social Work, organizers said.
“We just want to be sure parents, children and students who live near our UTA campus have food before Thanksgiving,” said Jamilet Martinez, events coordinator for the UTA School of Social Work. “We’re social workers and we want to provide assistance for those in need.”
Fall Harvest is free and open to all. No registration is required. UTA students may walk up to participate in the event.
Individuals and families will be able to park and for the first time be able to walk through the trunk or treat part of the event. At each decorated vehicle, children will receive “treats” - candy, school supplies, or small toys – from volunteers stationed there.
Kids will be able to enjoy the mini carnival with bounce houses, face painting, and animal balloon making designs.
“We want the kids to have a lot of fun,” Martinez said. “We can’t wait to see our little tricksters Saturday.”
The event will feature a drive-through food giveaway co-sponsored by the Tarrant County Food Bank.
Drivers will proceed to the Food Giveaway area in the parking lot, where they will open their vehicle trunks and volunteers will place free boxes of fresh foods, vegetables, and canned items inside.
The event addresses a basic need for many families, social work experts said.
