Instead of doing a trunk or treat event in the church parking lot, Sunnycrest United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, moved trunk or treat to the Hayward Elementary School neighborhood.

Hayward Elementary is a Title I school. Title I funds are available to schools with the highest poverty level, as determined by the percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. That is why Sunnycrest United Methodist Church decided to move its trunk-or-treat event. 

"We wanted to reach the people we have been serving meals on Monday nights," said Rev. Charlie Moore, Sunnycrest UMC. 

Sunnycrest UMC serves meals at Hayward Elementary on Monday evenings through a mobile food truck called Nightwatch Canteen. Together with seven other congregations the Nightwatch Canteen serves free meals on Sunday evenings at two downtown locations, on Mondays next to Hayward Elementary School in northwest Sioux Falls.

It was cold the day of Trunk for Treat, 18 degrees with wind, so it felt more like 5-10 degrees. Amanda Robb and Hailey Srstka, young adult members at Sunnycrest UMC and coordinators of the Trunk or Treat event, wondered if anyone would show up. 

"We served more than 525 kids and saw over 1500 people," stated Amanda. "We hosted in the parking lot of Hayward Elementary. We chose the Hayward location for the event due to the socioeconomics of the area."

There were 20 decorated trunks of all shapes and sizes. There were games, music, candy, and even a race car.

Pastor Charlie called the event "stellar!" Despite the weather, parents and children were thankful. Here are some of their comments:

"We are so thankful that you brought this event to us. Nothing ever comes to the area," one thankful parent stated. 

Another parent said, "I told my kids, quick, grab something from your closet. We have to go check this out."

The event was a Holy Spirit breakthrough for members of Sunnycrest UMC. One member said, "I stood on my truck to look at the crowd, and it was amazing to see all the families coming from every direction."

Amanda and Hailey left exhausted and inspired. "We witnessed the impact the church can have when they go out into the community and serve outside their walls."

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