With Halloween around the corner, the East Lansing community came together a little early to celebrate the free annual event, Safe Halloween. 

Safe Halloween is an annual event hosted by the Greek Community.  This event took place along M.A.C Avenue, between Elizabeth and Burcham, last night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

“Safe Halloween is important because it helps Greek life build a relationship with the community,” said Chloe Westley, the VP of Community Relations on the Panhellenic Council of Greek life.  “It’s one of the few times Greek Life and the East Lansing Community come together as a whole.  One thing Greek Life is great at is having fun while making a positive difference.”  

   All fourteen sororities had a station with a different theme based off of their choice of a children’s movie.  The sororities were paired up with fraternities and passed out candy while participating in activities with the children, Marcus Boyd, Internal Relations committee member said.  

At the entrance, a brochure and card full of the stations were given to the families.  At each station the kids were encouraged to get their card stamped to receive a free ticket for the raffle at the end according to Lauren McGuire, Internal Relations Director.

Donations were encouraged at the raffle to raise money for UNICEF and Ele’s Place, both charities supported at the event.  Mini trick-or-treat boxes were passed out at the event to the kids to help collect money when trick-or-treating for UNICEF.          

   Care packages were created for kids who are sick or unable to attend the event.  

  “The fun we have at Safe Halloween together last longer than the two hours we spend playing games together,” said Westley.  “We help raise money for local charities, like Ele’s Place and also UNICEF, bringing joy to the community far after the event is over.”

In addition to these stations, there were other groups on campus with stations. For example,  the police and fire department participated in this district wide event, as well. 

“I think it’s good for the Greek community to be out with kids and promote a safe environment,” said Olivia Herald, Firefighter Paramedic. “We like getting to know the kids and participating in the event.” 

The Lion King, Frozen, Kung Fu Panda, and The Wizard of Oz were a few of the different movies that were set up along M.A.C.  Elsa and Anna from Frozen was a popular costume and crowd favorite among those that attended.

There was a great turnout for the event and radiating Halloween spirit that came off of the children and participants of this fun experience. 

Safe Halloween was yet another success this year and created a safe and fun environment for the children to bond with the students in Greek life.  The bounce house was a definite favorite for the children as they all got to hang out with Greek community.