The United Methodist Youth Group at "Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat" sporting their new youth group t-shirts to make them easily identifiable within the community. Pictured, back row: Pastor Cheryl Nymann, Tristen Host, Tayah Anderson, Emmy Newsam, Easton Newsam, Kent Nyman. Front row: Bennett Kinsley, Weston Anderson, Royce Newsam, Maggie Dowling, and Julia Kinsley.

The historic 1880 Town of Midland, South Dakota, was the perfect setting for the first Halloween Trick or Treat. Tandem to the event, the Murdo United Methodist youth group held “Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat.” Lots of smiles and laughter were present during both events. 

The staff of 1880 Town were instrumental in organizing the Trick or Treat event. Several businesses and organizations from the rural, west-central communities of Kadoka, Murdo, and Midland, South Dakota, participated in the festive evening. 

Admission into 1880 Town was a free-will cash donation or non-perishable items. The non-perishable items and the monetary donations were equally divided between the communities of Kadoka and Murdo. 

The idea for the “Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat” campaign was spearheaded by two Murdo UMC members, Sallie (Hullinger) Cuny and Amy (Hullinger) Rust,—the daughters of Richard Hullinger, a lifelong United Methodist. Community members were notified through the local newspaper and fliers around town to place bags of food on their doorstep, and the youth would come around to pick up their donated items. The youth group then went door to door to collect the food, brought it back to the church, and organized it all.  

Food boxes for families were created with the food items collected. Eleven families needing food were identified with assistance from United Women in Faith and the school nurse. 

Some cash donations were made. The cash donations were then used to purchase gift cards from the local grocery store to include with the boxes of food so they could purchase perishable items like milk or fruit. 

Also included in the boxes was a letter from the church and youth sending holiday greetings. The boxes were delivered by the adults of the youth group members of the community.

“After the youth separated the boxes, we all gave a blessing over the food collected. They learned how precious the gift of giving is,” said Pastor Cheryl Nymann, who serves the United Methodist congregations at Murdo, Draper, and White River in South Dakota.

Participating sponsors were Murdo Family Foods, Tap House 22, Kadoka NHS, People’s Market, Moore Building Center, First Fidelity Bank, West Central Electric, Murdo Methodist Church, Gas and Go in Kadoka, Timberfox Woodworks, Hespe Hooch, Jones County Abstract Company, Jackson County Title Company, Barnes Security Provisions, Buxcel Barne’s Quarter Horses, Community Bible Church, and South Dakota’s Original 1880 Town. 

The events are creating a rippling impact on families in the area communities this holiday season. There are already plans to have both events next year.

“Working together with our extended communities to help secure food for people in need was extremely satisfying for both the youth and adults. The youth found out how they could be the hands and feet of Jesus, reaching out to those in need within our community,” said Pastor Cheryl.

Murdo UMC's effort to help those dealing with food insecurity is one of many ways that churches and individuals are reporting as one of ways to live out the 2023 Thanskgiving Offering: Five and Two.  There is still time! Prayerfully consider how you and your congregation will participate, and then let us know so we can celebrate our collective impact! Read letter from Bishop Lanette Plambeck |  Complete Thankgiving Offering pledge form | Access resources