Student-Athletes "Treat" Community to Fun Halloween Experience

For the fifth straight year, Temple's student-athletes traded in their uniforms for costumes and lined Cecil B. Moore Ave on Halloween to volunteer for "Avenue of Treats."

In total, 147 student-athletes who represented 13 of Temple's teams volunteered.

"It's really about having fun with the kids," said senior Kelsea Hershey of women's lacrosse. "It's just like being a kid again. To be able to celebrate Halloween with them is really cool."

"Avenue of Treats," hosted by Beech Community Services, is in its 11th year. Its goal is to provide safe trick or treating for children from the North Philadelphia community.

According to Christine Brown, director of Beech Community Services, Temple students make up more than half of the volunteers at the event.

"Beech Community Services along with the business owners and residents are very happy to have Temple athletes join the Cecil B. Moore neighborhood in a fun evening where kids can be kids in a safe environment," said Brown. "Their enthusiasm and dedication in assisting with 'Avenue of Treats' is extremely important in helping to increase community engagement between the students and community residents."

In addition to handing out candy, the student-athletes use this as an opportunity to connect with members of the community, especially the children.

"I think they look up to us because we are Division I athletes and I think it's a good thing," said junior Hermann Doerner of men's soccer. "They can be happy we are doing this and it creates values for them and it's an event they can remember for the next couple years."

Alese Cross brought her three children to "Avenue of Treats" for the first time this year. After just moving to Philadelphia, she wasn't sure what to expect of the event.

"It's beautiful," said Cross. "Everyone is so friendly, I didn't expect this. I came up here and I wasn't expecting this, but it's so nice."

Not only did her children get an abundance of candy, but they were also able to talk to the student-athletes about the sports they play.

That interaction is what makes the event memorable, not just for the children and parents, but also for the student-athletes.

"I think it's rewarding and I think it's starting to help build a good relationship with athletics and the community," said Hershey. "I think athletics is a big component to bring people together, so everything is coming full circle, whether its them coming to our games or us helping with these events for them."

Temple University Athletics

Student-Athletes "Treat" Community to Fun Halloween Experience

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