This year UC San Francisco hosted special trick-or-treat events for children enrolled at Bright Horizons, UCSF's on-site child care center.
The events took place at UCSF Parnassus and, for the first time, at Mission Bay’s Rutter Center with collaboration across UCSF departments including Campus Life Services, Arts & Events, Facilities, Fitness and Recreation, Student Academic Services, Transportation Services, UCSF Police and a special appearance from UCSF’s Chancellor Sam Hawgood.
Over 140 children visited the Rutter Center at Mission Bay, taking turns visiting the tables for healthy treats, toys, coloring books and high fives from UCSF Police’s costumed mascot, McGruff the Crime Dog.
An additional 100 children attended UCSF Parnassus visiting the 'Under the Sea' themed Facilities Office at 95 Kirkham for treats and Halloween themed activities.
Celebrations continued at Laurel Heights City Center, where children received a special visit from UCSF Programs and Services.
UCSF Transportation Services went all-out, decorating the interior of a shuttle bus and coordinating matching minion costumes (complete with bananas) inspired by Despicable Me.
“We are all still beaming from the success of the event with Child Care. The event was a TREMENDOUS SUCCESS! You can see the energy in people’s faces. I am sure it was fun for the kids to be out, dressed up and have a fun Halloween. The transportation minion crew was thrilled to be a part of the event and be a part of the fun day for the kids at Child Care. It might have meant more to us than the kids. Hopefully we’ll be remembered as the minions who brought the party bus & bananas!” Transportation Assistant Director of Customer Experience, Vicki Sundstrom said.
For Sandra Hilliard, Executive Director of Mission Bay University Child Care, the turnout of the event and effort demonstrated by each department reflected the best of what UCSF offers as a community.
“Seeing so many UCSF Departments and friends come together was a joy, and it created a vibrant and festive atmosphere for the children. Our teachers and parents were thrilled by the turnout. The sense of community we felt was extraordinary. Events like this remind us of the importance of collaboration and support within our community,” Hilliard said.
In addition to being fun, the event also provided children with the opportunity to learn developmental skills that will serve them throughout their lifetimes.
“The children had been so excited for this event and preparing for it all week. Halloween is a time when everyone gets to dress up and be silly. The event offers more than just fun; it’s an important opportunity for children to express themselves and engage in a community-building experience. Halloween celebrations foster creativity, confidence, and a sense of belonging, which can have lasting benefits on their emotional and social development.” Director of Family Services, Nathalie Larsen said.