UNICEF Club hosting second annual Trunk or Treat festival Saturday October 26

In the Conant High School parking lot this Saturday, October 26, Conant’s UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) Club will host its second annual Trunk or Treat, or Fall Fest, to create a safe environment for kids in the Conant community to trick or treat this Halloween season.

The Trunk or Treat event is free to attend, but there will be options for food truck snacks, cupcakes, and donations to UNICEF International. The festival will also offer a range of activities, including creatively themed car trunks, a balloon artist, and a photo station with a hay bale fall backdrop. National Honor Society (NHS) and Peer-Assisted Learning & Service (PALS) clubs are also joining forces with the UNICEF Club, setting up bake sales and a craft station. According to the UNICEF Club’s advisor, English Department Chair Dr. Susan Hess, “It’s a great opportunity for students to get service hours, work together, and bring their younger siblings and family members to enjoy the Halloween fun.” 

Hess noted that the event was inspired by the success of last year’s Trunk or Treat, which was well received by both students and families. “Last year’s event was such a big hit, especially as a first-year event,” Hess said. “The goal was to bring together students and the community to offer a safe space for children to enjoy Halloween, while also supporting UNICEF’s mission to help women and children worldwide.”

Founded about a year and a half ago, Conant’s UNICEF Club focuses on raising awareness and funds for international efforts, from supporting clean water initiatives to aiding children in times of crisis in places like Gaza and Ukraine. Hess explained, “While our event here is local, we fundraise to support UNICEF International’s programs so that our contributions reach beyond Conant and help children in need globally.”

UNICEF Club president Arianna Puskarz, ‘25, emphasized the importance of creating a positive community impact. “Seeing the kids in their costumes, all happy and excited, is [the most rewarding part],” she shared. “I hope the younger kids enjoy being themselves, and… [our volunteers] realize how big of an impact they have on their community, and what being kind to the kids can do.”

Conant’s UNICEF Club encourages students who are interested in getting involved to attend the event, support the cause, or join their weekly Wednesday morning meetings.

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