The Munroe-Meyer Institute will hold its third annual Trunk or Treat from 4-6 p.m. on Oct. 27 in the parking lot on the west side of the institute’s main building at 44th and Farnam streets.
The event, which debuted in 2017, was created as a fun, safe and accessible way for families with children with disabilities and complex health care needs to trick or treat, with MMI departments and partners distributing candy from the trunks of decorated cars.
The event was a success initially, drawing more than 200 attendees, and its popularity has only grown. Director of Community Engagement Melonie Welsh said organizers were expecting more than 500 people this year.
See a photo album from the 2018 Trunk or Treat.
Welsh said the decision to create the event in 2017 grew for a desire to provide an accessible event and serve MMI clients in a new way.
“We value the overall experience our families have at MMI,” she said. “We saw this as a great opportunity to get outside of the clinic and the exam room and be with the kids and their families one-on-one.
“It was one of those things that, afterward, we said, ‘Why have we never done this before?'” she said.
The event also is fun for MMI staff and supporters. Many of MMI’s community partners participate in the event, Welsh said — while the lineup for this year’s 20 decorated trunks still is being filled out, the Munroe-Meyer Institute Board of Directors and the Student Alliance for People of All Abilities (SAPA) have already committed to attending.
It will be the second year for SAPA, and Shaker Dukkipati, president of the organization, said the group is looking forward to returning.
“We had a blast last year and really got to engage with the kids and the families that came out,” Dukkipati said. “I think this is one of the great opportunities for us to really get to interact with one of the populations that we want to serve as a student group here at UNMC. We will hopefully figure out some good treats and have a whole, dressed-up crew of students.”
Dukkipati said the group hadn’t picked a decorating scheme yet, but “it will most likely involve a red Jeep truck.”
MMI departments, Welsh said, pull out all the stops for the event.
“Everybody is invited, and they almost feel challenged to have a presence,” she said — a brightly decorated trunk and candies or small toys to give away. Some former trunk themes have included zoo animals, Dr. Seuss, witches and knights.
This year, the event also will feature two clowns, popcorn and cotton candy.
“This is a fun event for everyone,” Welsh said. “We’re delighted to be able to provide it for our MMI families, and we enjoy it as much as they do.”
Thank you to the MMI staff for providing this fun opportunity!