Trick or treat in a warm building

It’s that time of the year again.

Time for children to get dressed up in costumes and hit the streets in search of candy.

This Halloween, Green River children can once again opt out of trick or treating in the cold and wind and get all of their candy in one spot -- Mission at Castle Rock Rehabilitation Center.

On Tuesday, CRRC and Villa residents will be passing out candy from 6-8 p.m. Each year, for the past few years, Mission has seen about 500-600 kids take part in Trick or Treat Night, Heidi Schuh, activities director and volunteer coordinator, said.

“It is successful because it gives the community a chance to come in and get candy in one location, while at the same time giving our residents and the kids a chance to visit and interact in a one-on-one environment. This is something that is appreciated from our residents’ view point as well as the children’s.

Schuh said they would love to have 1,000 kids attend the event, which is in a safe and warm environment. When it’s cold outside the center sees more kids because it is an indoor event.

“Any interaction they get with the outside community, especially children, is so good for their overall wellbeing,” Schuh said. “They look forward to seeing the kids in their costumes all year long.”

Not only do the children benefit from the event, but so do the residents. Some of the residents really get into the spirit of Halloween and wear wigs or hats.

“It is a break from the every day monotony that so many of us get dragged into,” she said. “It is uplifting to them and brings a smile to their faces and warms their hearts to know these kids came to see them and they get to give the gift of candy in return.” 

Schuh said since they are a nonprofit organization they rely heavily on donations so they can host activities, including Trick-or-Treat Night.

“The community makes this possible through their candy donations,” she said. “ShopKo has put out a cart at their registers for people to donate candy to us, and they have brought in six large tubs so far. There is no way any of it would be possible without the support of the community.”

Schuh said residents can help in two ways, by either donating candy or bringing their child to the event.