No Tricks at AU, Just Treats
Assumption University’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted their fourth annual Trunk or Treat event on Halloween. Energized by the spirit of Halloween, 35 clubs and athletic teams from around campus gathered outside of the Plourde Recreation Center to distribute candy to local children, including groups of participating in Team IMPACT and Best Buddies.
“It’s one of our favorite events that we’ve started here at Assumption,” Bella Illig ’25, a volleyball player and president of SAAC said. “It’s just really special to be able to give back to the Worcester community in such a fun way.”
The Trunk or Treat tradition on Assumption’s campus began in 2019 (skipping 2020 due to Covid-19) as a way to give children participating in Team IMPACT, an organization that creates unique experiences for children facing serious illnesses and disabilities by pairing them with collegiate sports teams, a safe opportunity to trick or treat on Halloween. Since its inception, the event has grown in participation, both in terms of the number of Assumption students who dress up and decorate their cars, and the local children and families visiting campus.
“I’ve watched this event grow and continue to grow. Every year more kids, clubs, and sports teams are involving themselves in this amazing night,” Illig continued.
“Trunk or Treat is a wonderful way for our student-athletes to give back to the community and honor our relationship with Team IMPACT,” Annie Lahey, head coach of Women’s Field Hockey and faculty advisor to SAAC, said. “It is not often that we are able to have all our student-athletes together at one event, and it is a magical experience.”
Throughout its partnership with Team IMPACT, the University has had nearly 40 percent of its athletic programs currently or previously welcoming a child facing serious illness or disability to their team, with several participating more than once.
“The University is a part of the Worcester community, and the Worcester community is a part of us,” President Greg Weiner said. “I think that our students have the type of character that draws energy from children and shows them that they care about them.”
Elena Ralph is a member of the Class of 2025. She is majoring in Communication and Media.