The rainy Oregon weather did not deter trick-or-treaters from traversing Eugene on Monday night for a hallowed American tradition.
A handful of University student groups seized Halloween as an opportunity for community service.
Alpha Phi Omega, Presidential Student Scholars Association, Clark Honors College Student Association and the Druids took part in this year’s Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, which has raised more than $127 million for the United Nations Children’s Fund since 1950, according to the United States Fund for UNICEF, which organizes the program. The volunteers trick-or-treated for donations instead of candy, which was donated to UNICEF.
“It’s something fun, a nice alternative to being a glutton and stuffing yourself with candy,” senior Alletta Brenner said. “I certainly think it’s a good thing for kids to do, to give them a broader perspective on the world.”
This year is a first for Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF because 50 percent of all funds will go to help survivors of Hurricane Katrina. Never before has the United Nations given aid to the United States, but when Secretary General Kofi Annan offered support earlier this year, the United States obliged.
Druids President Annette Maready, a junior, had mixed feelings about the decision.
“With the giving to the (Red) Cross and other U.S. aid programs, I wish more of the money was going to foreign causes. But at the same time, it’s good people are getting help who need it,” Maready said.
The sight of the University students excited most Eugeneans once they recovered from the initial shock of college-age kids at their door.
“Come on Val, be better than that,” Eugene resident Dan Close told his wife when she did not give much from a special bowl the couple had set aside for UNICEF.
“It’s a nice way for older kids to be out and not be inappropriate,” Val Close said.
As the students wound their way along a trail of porch lights, the rain began again, harder than usual.
“It’s spooky,” freshman Jessica Frazier pointed out.
“With costumes, it’s definitely complicated,” added her companion, freshman Rocio Petersen who was dressed as Minnie Mouse but had left the ears in her residence hall room so her hood would fit.
One woman saved pennies for a few months, enough to nearly fill one of the paperback-sized collection boxes, said senior Sarah Koski, co-president of the PSSA.
“Our arms were getting sore by the end of the night,” she said. “A lot of people were unprepared for UNICEF, but they went and emptied out their pockets.”
Just down the street, Alpha Phi Omega members were making their way through the east University neighborhood. The group has trick-or-treated for canned food in the past but opted for UNICEF this year because the cans grew too heavy and cumbersome, senior Heidi Rivinus said.
Rivinus, who planned the Alpha Phi Omega event, got the idea from activities she did with a group in high school. She said she especially likes that Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF helps a more worldwide cause, something her fellow students agreed with.
“I love a good cause, and if I can’t go trick-or-treat for candy, I’ll go for money,” sophomore Gwyneth Gilkeson said.