By Aja Cooper, Staff Writer

Published in print Nov.5, 2014

On Hallow’s eve, College Ave was filled with local families and children from the Greensboro community. Campus Activities and Programs sponsored its annual Greeks and Treats, providing the community with a safe alternative for trick-or-treating. Traditionally an event showcasing the Greek organizations of UNCG, this year’s Greeks and Treats welcomed non-Greek student organizations to take part in the Halloween fun.

Participating organizations were responsible for creating a unique game or activity for children to play with candy prizes. Children dressed up in their Halloween costumes and played different games while winning prizes that would guarantee their sweet tooth’s approval. Visiting children were not the only ones in costumes, members of student organizations also dressed up to fit the night’s atmosphere.

Princess and superhero costumes were in full effect amongst participating families and members of student organizations. Children were able to play charades, search for candy buried in bowls of cooked noodles and popcorn kernels, and bowl on table tops with paper towel rolls that served as pins.

Neo-Black Society, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. were a few of the organizations present greeting the children on College Ave. At first glance it may seem like the children attending Greeks and Treats were the only ones benefiting from the night’s events. However, college students within the student organizations shared that they found the event to be an enriching experience as well.

During the Halloween festivities, Jessica Askew, a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma shared that her favorite thing about participating in Greeks and Treats was being able to talk to the kids.

“I love kids. I always give out candy at home so it’s been great. I just love helping kids out. They are just walking around and they’re so excited because I mean, who doesn’t love dressing up on Halloween?”

Children and their families were presented with a safe way to go trick-or-treating on UNCG’s campus but were also able to meet members of the student body. They’re presence on the campus and being able to see some of UNCG’s student leaders potentially sowed a seed of interest to inspire local children to be future Spartans themselves.

“It’s always good to engage with the community and get to see the little kids because we don’t get to see them every day because we’re surrounded by college students,” said Taylour Johnson of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Johnson’s highlight from Greeks and Treats shows that events, such as this one, help bridge the gap between the college students of UNCG and the youth of the Greensboro community who may not usually be accustomed to campus activities.

Taking the time to be a part of a child’s life and help them make long lasting memories that effect their childhood for the better is a reflection of what UNCG stands for. These participating organizations truly understand what it means to do something bigger altogether.