Madison kids ‘trick or treat’ with campus Greeks

For the 13th year in a row, University of Wisconsin–Madison fraternities and sororities will welcome area children to Langdon Street for their annual “Trick or Treat with the Greeks” celebration.

The event gives local at-risk children the opportunity to experience a fun and safe Halloween on campus from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20.

“This is something sorority women and fraternity men really look forward to every year,” says Shannon McChesney, Panhellenic Association community service chair. “Although we have a lot of fun putting this event on, it is really all about allowing these children to just be a kid and enjoy Halloween.”

More than 350 costumed children from nonprofit children’s programs, such as the Boys and Girls Club and the Ronald McDonald House, are expected to attend the free event. In addition to trick-or-treating at Greek houses on Langdon, children will also participate in events such as a haunted house, cookie decorating and pumpkin painting.

The Collaborative After School Program of Education and Recreation (CASPER), a program that provides after-school care for homeless and at-risk children, will also participate in the event for the first time this year. Jeff Nelson, the community service chair for the Interfraternity Council, is excited to introduce the new kids to the Halloween event.

“The main objective of ‘Trick or Treat with the Greeks’ is to for a few hours let kids who may not otherwise have the opportunity enjoy the celebration and fun that Halloween brings,” Nelson says. “We also want to bridge the gap between the Madison community and the campus Greek system.”

The Interfraternity Council, Multicultural Greek Council, Panhellenic Association and National Panhellenic Council organize the event each year. An estimated 300 fraternity and sorority members will volunteer for the day.