The Hamilton community opened its arms - and candy bags – to around 110 children from Utica as the Newman Council hosted its 28th annual Trust Treat on Halloween.
Trust Treat is a Halloween celebration that brings youth from the Thea Bowman House in Utica to campus for a safe and fun evening of trick-or treating.
Children were matched with student guides who escorted them to the candy stops and haunted houses around campus. Hamilton students in residence halls, academic departments and campus organizations dress in costume, decorate their spaces, and hand out candy to the visitors.
Science students performed experiments that wowed the young visitors – shattering a flower, igniting a dollar bill and freeze-drying a balloon. About 150 Hamilton students helped out at the 35 candy stops and haunted houses.
Trust Treat was established by the Class of ’92 in memory of Eric Trust, a member of the class who died unexpectedly on Halloween day during his first year at Hamilton. Newman Chaplain Fr. John Croghan explained “In his short time at Hamilton, Eric’s openness and concern for others touched many people’s hearts. It is in that spirit that we sponsor this event as a chance for all of us to join together and provide a safe and happy environment for children to trick-or-treat.”
