The Dunbar Elementary School parking lot near Temple’s campus turned into a Halloween wonderland filled with children dressed as aliens, witches, minions and more on Monday at the fourth annual Trunk-or-Treat hosted by Temple University’s Black Law Students Association (BLSA), Pre-Law Division.

“We wanted to provide a safe space for the North Philadelphia community so that trick-or-treaters could get a head start to Halloween,” said BLSA President Mallorie Marsan, a junior pre-law student. “We have more than candy. We have face painting, music, and we’re all having a lot of fun.”

Marsan said more than 35 student organizations participated in the event, marking one of the strongest showings of support from the Temple community to date.

“It shows collaboration and community, which are pivotal to the mission of both BLSA and Temple University. One of our previous community service chairs, Sola, started this event four years ago and we’ve been striving to keep up her mission ever since. If we all work together, we can support the local North Philadelphia community and be a force for positive impact,” Marsan said.

“This is Temple at its best,” said Sadiyah Sabir of Temple’s Association of Black Psychologists, which was among the student organizations who gave out candy.  “We’re all together showing up for the kids, showing up for the community and giving our candy. It’s always great to be a part of this event,” she said. 

The event was also supported by Temple’s Office of Community Relations.    

“We are always excited to support our student organizations, and there’s no doubt that everyone had a spook-tacular evening at the Trunk-Or-Treat,” said Andrea Swan, the director of the Office of Community Relations.   

Pauletta Carroll brought her three children to the Trunk-or-Treat. 

“We look forward to this event every year, because my kids don’t have to worry about going house to house. Instead, everything is in one space. We appreciate Temple holding this for the community,” she said. 

“I like filling my bag with candy and seeing everyone’s costumes," said her daughter Quiana. 

Temple University’s Department of Public Safety decorated its community engagement van with a giant cobweb, skeletons and green lights.

“We love giving back,” said Temple University Police Officer Leroy Wimberly. “Community policing is about being visible, showing up for our youth and reminding the Temple and North Philadelphia communities that we’re here for them.”