Elianna Mendoza hoped to fill her bucket with chocolate.
Meanwhile her younger brother Adrian was after fruit snacks.
Dressed as Angel and Stitch from Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” franchise, the siblings meandered through the first floor of the Munroe-Meyer Institute during the institute’s annual Trick or Treat event.
It was the Mendoza family’s second time at the event.
Elianna, 5, has cerebral palsy. Mom Chanse Mendoza said it’s nice to be at an event where her daughter doesn’t garner stares. It also gives her a chance to practice using her right arm by opening and extending her treat bag.
“She’s really shy,” Mendoza said of her daughter. “It’s nice letting her see other people wearing boots or braces.”
As Elianna and Adrian approached tables brimming with sweet treats and trinkets, Dad Fredy Mendoza offered reminders to say “thank you.”
The event, in its eighth year, drew its largest crowd ever with nearly 750 guests. At times, a line of costumed kiddos — and some adults — snaked around the sidewalk.
“Halloween is a time of joy, imagination, and community — but for many families living with a disability, traditional trick-or-treat experiences can be filled with barriers rather than treats,” said Melonie Welsh, associate dean of community engagement. “That’s why it’s essential to create a family-centered, judgment-free, welcoming and safe Halloween event that celebrates every child and caregiver, regardless of ability.”
Kassie Kromka usually takes her 5-year-old daughter Halen to trunk-or-treat events. She learned about MMI’s event through her daughter’s school.
Kromka said it’s a nice, safe event. Halen, who sported a colorful unicorn costume, thought it would be good practice for trick-or-treating on Halloween. She hoped to leave with a full bucket.
Inside, the crowd included several costumed Winnie the Poohs, a few Little Mermaids and even a claw machine. Princesses, clowns, firefighters and Little Red Riding Hood collected candy and small toys from more than 100 volunteers at nearly 40 booths spread through the first floor.
Volunteers went all out, too, with themed booths and costumes. Outside of the first-floor conference rooms were booths decorated as Cookie Monster and a barn complete with farmers. Other festive booths decorated the gym, including set ups straight from Candyland and “Toy Story.”