SOUTH SHORE YMCA

South Shore YMCA first Trunk or Treat event is a hit for families

Posted: Oct. 31, 2022 Join the South Shore Y!

Over 400 families from across the South Shore gathered in the parking lots of the South Shore YMCA branches in Quincy and Hanover for the association’s first Trunk or Treat event on Saturday, October 29, 2022. Children of all ages donned their favorite costumes and happily bounced along from car to car, singing “Happy Halloween!” as they collected trinkets and sweet treats.

“This is the first year of our Trunk or Treat event,” said South Shore YMCA President and CEO, Paul Gorman, “and certainly not the last. The kids had such a great time, and I think their parents and our Y staff and volunteers might have enjoyed it just as much.”

Parents and older siblings joined in the fun, too, wearing costumes and handing out candy from the trunks of their cars, which were decorated in Halloween themes ranging from spooky to silly.

Other vehicles participated in the festivities, including fire trucks, police vehicles, and ambulances. “Trunk-or-treat events are the best way to bring the community, families, and neighbors together,” said Quincy police officer Matt Miller.

The Hale Family YMCA in Quincy thanked local partners for their support, including Brewster Ambulance, Quincy Police Department, Quincy Fire Department, Norfolk County Sheriff’s Department, Romanzza Pizza, Spaulding Outpatient Center, volunteers from ROTC, and more.

“The crowd absolutely blew us away,” said Hale Family YMCA Executive Director, Katelyn Szafir. “It was great to see such enthusiasm from the community, and we are so thankful to our partners and everyone who showed up to make it happen. Our members and the community volunteered to decorate their trunks, hand out candy, and make it fun for the children.”

“Seriously mom,” said Szafir’s son, Julian, “this is so awesome. It’s the best day ever.”

“We wanted to create this event for local families and children because it has something for everyone,” said Ashley Genrich, Associate Executive Director of the Emilson YMCA in Hanover, who worked to bring the event to life. “We are thrilled by the turnout today, and are excited to start planning for our next family-friendly event.”

Dan Berry, Executive Director of the Emilson YMCA, thanked local partners and attendees, including Big Y Supermarket, Boy Scout Troop 38, South Shore Historical Society, Sullivan’s, Hanover Fire Department, Hanover Police Department, American Automobile Association (AAA), Sheriff Joseph McDonald and the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, Plymouth County District Attorney, Tim Cruz, and Massachusetts State Representative, David DeCoste.

“Our first annual Trunk or Treat was wildly successful,” said Berry. “The weather was beautiful, the children were proud to show off their costumes, and our Y members and community partners came out and celebrated together. It was truly a joy.”

As one parent said, “The Y means family. It’s always great to see how much fun the Y staff has hosting such vibrant community events. We are already looking forward to next year!”

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