More Than a Halloween Celebration: Sigma’s Annual Trunk or Treat Event

By: Rosemary Thompson, BSN, RN, Learning Skills Lab Coordinator

Every fall, as the weather begins to cool (finally!) and Halloween approaches, I look forward to one of my favorite community events of the year: Sigma’s Annual Trunk or Treat. While it may appear to be a simple afternoon filled with costumes, candy, and decorated trunks, for me it represents something much greater. It is a celebration of community, collaboration, service, and the power of people coming together to make a difference.

Having worked at Research College of Nursing for the past seven years and as a member of Sigma’s Upsilon Tau Chapter, the International Honor Society of Nursing, for the past five years, I have seen firsthand how both organizations are dedicated to fostering leadership, service, and community engagement. For the past two years, I have had the pleasure of co-chairing our Annual Trunk or Treat alongside the amazing Valerie Noack. Watching the event grow year after year, from a community outreach initiative into a highly anticipated tradition for local families, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

The Annual Trunk or Treat is a collaborative effort between Research College of Nursing and HCA Research Medical Center, bringing together nursing students, faculty, staff, and healthcare professionals around a shared goal: creating a safe, fun, and welcoming experience for children and families in our community. Faculty, staff, and students actively participate in planning and organizing the event alongside our hospital partners. This collaboration reflects our commitment to caring for the community beyond the classroom, simulation lab, and clinical setting as we donate our time, creativity and resources to making this event successful.

One of my favorite parts of planning the event is seeing the enthusiasm and generosity of our students and staff. Months before Halloween, students begin collecting candy donations, and what started as a friendly challenge has become a much-anticipated tradition. Each year, our wonderful Director of Student Engagement, Ciara Wiegers creates beautiful posters for us. Cohorts compete to see which class can collect the most candy, creating a spirit of teamwork, camaraderie, and healthy competition. This year members of our Nikki Flagler, our Student Services Specialist and the Research Student Governing Board, Anoush Zadoyan (TBSN M27) and Taylor Meyer (TBSN M27) have stepping up to organize the student candy drive. Beyond the fun, it serves as a valuable lesson for our future nurse leaders. Students learn that service extends beyond patient care and that even small acts of giving can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. The generosity that results from these efforts is inspiring. Candy donations come from students, faculty, and staff at Research College of Nursing, as well as departments and units across Research Medical Center. These contributions ensure that every child who attends leaves with plenty of treats and a memorable experience.

Community outreach is another cornerstone of the event. We invite surrounding schools, daycare centers, and community organizations to participate, helping us reach families throughout the area. Each year, we welcome both returning families and first-time attendees, and it is heartwarming to see the excitement on children’s faces as they arrive in costume.

The heart of Trunk or Treat is our volunteers. Most of the trunks are designed and staffed by nursing students who generously donate their time and creativity. Their imaginative themes transform a parking lot into a festive Halloween destination filled with games, decorations, and treats. We are also grateful for the participation of several hospital departments that contribute trunks and volunteers, helping create an even more engaging experience for the children and families who attend.

What may seem like a simple Halloween celebration is actually an opportunity to foster relationships, strengthen community connections, and create positive memories for local families.

Over the past four years, I have watched Trunk or Treat continue to grow. Last year we served over 350 people that included our local community and many HCA families. Attendance has increased each year, bringing more children, families, volunteers, and community partners together. With that growth has come an even stronger partnership among Sigma’s Upsilon Tau Chapter, Research College of Nursing, and HCA Research Medical Center. Together, we have created a tradition that not only provides a fun and safe event for children but also demonstrates the collective impact we can have when we work together in service to our community.

As I reflect on my involvement with Trunk or Treat, I am grateful for everyone who contributes to its success. The students who eagerly participate in candy drives, the faculty and staff who support planning efforts, the hospital departments that volunteer their time, and the community organizations that help spread the word all play a vital role. Their commitment embodies the mission of Sigma and reflects the caring spirit that defines both our college and hospital. While children may come for the candy and costumes, the true gift of Trunk or Treat is the sense of connection it creates. It brings together nursing students, healthcare professionals, educators, community organizations, and families for a shared experience centered on service and support. I am honored to have been part of this event for the past four years and to have served as co-chair for the last two. Watching it grow has been incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to seeing this meaningful tradition continue to impact our community for years to come. I hope to see many of you at our event this year (October 27^th, 4:30-6:30)!