This year, Hometown Church will not be hosting a Trunk or Treat event. Halloween falls on a Saturday—the day we would normally hold the event—so instead, we’d love to encourage you to use the evening as an opportunity to connect with the people right in your own neighborhood. Be present, be welcoming, and look for simple ways to build relationships with the people God has placed around you.
- Create a welcoming hangout. Set out chairs, create a warm and inviting space with fun, upbeat music. Invite neighbors to stop and visit while you hand out candy. Offer hot chocolate (with marshmallows), cider, coffee, cold soda or sparkling water, along with a little treat for the adults. Consider offering “PREMIUM” treats like full candy bars, larger bags of gummys, etc for the kids. You could even make it a neighborhood rest stop with water, hand warmers, corn hole, or other games. And a place for tired parents and little ones to take a break. Be sure to ask people that stop and engage how you can pray for them! Make your house an extra-fun stop. Add music, lights, decorations, and great candy, or set up a simple driveway game like cornhole, ring toss, or beanbag toss to create a fun, welcoming atmosphere that encourages families to stay a little longer.
- Invite neighbors for a simple meal before trick-or-treating. Pizza, chili, hot dogs, or walking tacos can bring people together before everyone heads out.
- Create a fun photo spot. Pumpkins, fall decorations, or lights can give families a place to snap a picture and provide a natural opportunity to talk.
- Team up with another Hometown household. Spend the evening together at one home, welcoming neighbors and helping one another make connections.
- Invite someone who might otherwise be alone to join you. An older adult, single neighbor, or someone without children might enjoy helping hand out candy and meeting people.
- Take a walk through your neighborhood. If your home doesn't get much trick-or-treat traffic, head outside and talk with neighbors who are gathered in driveways and yards.
- Have options for kids with food allergies or dietary restrictions. A few non-food treats or allergy-friendly choices can help every child feel included.
- Set a simple relationship goal. Instead of measuring the night by how much candy you hand out, challenge yourself to meet a few people you don't know and learn their names.
- Use Halloween to reconnect. Introduce yourself to the neighbor you've waved to for years but never really met, or catch up with someone you haven't talked with lately.
- Follow up after Halloween. When you make a connection, keep it going—say hello when you see them again, invite them over sometime, or find another simple way to get to know them.
This Halloween, take the opportunity to make a real connection with someone in your neighborhood—don’t just hand out candy, learn a name.
