NW Indiana ER & Hospital hosted its second trunk-or-treat event on Monday, October 30.
Amanda Jensen, chief nursing officer, notes that the first event took place three years ago during the pandemic. She was excited at being able to help show the kids a good time in bringing this event back.
“This year is a little bit different,” Jensen said. “We put a lot of thought into making this happen again and even better than last time. Cabela’s was kind enough to offer us their parking lot for space to host the trunk-or-treat. It’s just nice being able to see the kids smile this time because that wasn’t the case with the masks before.”
Jessica Hubbard, director of marketing at NW Indiana ER & Hospital, played a large part in helping set up the trunk-or-treat festivities. While she wasn’t affiliated with the first event, she deliberated many tactics to put another one together with an enticing presentation.
“Each car is decorated differently,” Hubbard said. “There’s a lot of themes being put on display today such as Marvel, Barbie, and a birthday theme too for one of our community members. Our staff is wearing a variety of different costumes for Halloween this year to get in the spirit.”
The birthday-themed car featured characters from the Sonic the Hedgehog series.
While NW Indiana ER & Hospital takes pride in being able to serve their patients at work, there’s also a special feeling with being able to bring the community together for some unique events.
“Our staff has been very eager for this day,” Hubbard said. “Everyone has the willingness to collaborate and share some fun times with people in the area. People look at us as just a hospital, but we also try to put on events like this that showcase the family side of what the hospital offers.”
Daniel Irving, an emergency physician, shares Hubbard’s enthusiasm for being able to put a smile on people’s faces. It’s even more special when they see their patients in a brighter light rather than dealing with a health issue.
“When people come into the hospital, it’s not always their best day,” Irving said. “When we get a chance to see them on nice days outside the workplace for an event we’re hosting, they’re healthier and happier. We try our best to let the community know about the whole package for what the hospital is all about.”
About 20 staff members from NW Indiana ER & Hospital came together to treat the costumed attendees. On a cold Halloween Eve, their staff wanted a game plan for how to bring people out without having to wait around.
“Some people don’t have kids that want to be walking around for hours,” Hubbard said. “This is a convenient way for families to stop by and provide their kids with 10 different treats in one spot. It’s a little different than most, but I think it makes for a fun time.”
NW Indiana ER & Hospital primarily gave out candy for the event, but also some free sandwich cards courtesy of Chick-fil-A.
For more information on NW Indiana ER & Hospital, you can visit their website.