Hundreds turn out for Trunk-or-Treat at Wright State

Wright State University students, police officers and community organizations transformed a parking lot into a Halloween celebration, handing out candy to about 400 Mini University preschoolers and their parents during the university’s fifth annual Trunk-or-Treat event. 

 “This is probably the largest one we’ve had so far,” said Gianni Parise, community engagement coordinator in the Wright State Police Department, who helped organize the event with Capt. Chad Oleyar. “It’s great to see the Wright State students coming out to support the community.” 

Over 30 Wright State and community organizations decorated vehicles and passed out candy to trick-or-treaters, including Wright State athletic teams, the Student Government Association, Dunbar Library, Wright State Police Department, Fairborn Fire Department, Ohio State Patrol, Dayton Police Department and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. “I’m enjoying all of the little kids and their costumes,” said Brody Papay, a sophomore finance major who participated with teammates on the baseball team. 

The event builds on an ongoing relationship between Mini University and Wright State police officers, who regularly visit the school to read to children. The Division of Campus Safety organized Trunk-or-Treat  to give the children another opportunity to connect with Wright State students and public safety staff in a fun, festive setting. 

“It’s a very safe and fun event,” said Kurt Holden, associate vice president and chief of police, who dressed up as “Winnie the Poolice” and invited his family to pass out candy. “We are having a blast.”