Screams of joy and fright echoed throughout the Union yesterday as local poverty-stricken children celebrated Halloween 12 days early.
LSU ROTC groups, Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings hosted “Shrieks and Treats” for Children’s Hope students.
Nicole Chandler, “Shrieks and Treats” co-director, said the event was designed to provide children who would not be able to purchase costumes or embark in Halloween cheer a chance to have a good time and celebrate the holiday.
Kim Shaw, Children’s Hope president, said it is rewarding to see the smiles upon the children’s faces.
“Our children come from poverty, so this opportunity gives them something to do,” Shaw said. “The children do not get a chance to go anywhere or do anything because money and time do not allow for it.”
The activities for the event occurred in different areas of the Union with the Cotillion Ballroom becoming the game room, the Feliciana Ballroom becoming the magician room and the Barataria Room becoming a spooky house.
The spooky house was equipped with a strobe light, a witch, scary music and a table that encouraged the children to dip their hands in guts (jello), eyeballs (grapes) and witch’s hair (wet pasta).
The children also were treated to face paintings, a story teller and a magician.
Mass communication professor Stephen Banning served as the magician for the students who “oohed” and “awed” throughout the 20-minute performance.
Following a frightful trip through the spooky room the students headed off to the game room where tricycle races, a football throw, dodge-ball and and inflatable hockey game awaited them.
Darius Fisher, a Children’s Hope student, said he had a lot of fun at “Shrieks and Treats,” especially in the spooky room.
“It was scary a little bit,” Fisher said.
Rachel Sherburne, Shrieks and Treats co-director of the event, said the event was put on free to Children’s Hope through donations by University fraternities and sororities as well as the Air Force Association.
This was the first year for “Shrieks and Treats” and both Sherburne and Chandler said it will become a regular event for the Children’s Hope students.