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From Candy to Connections: How Community Partners Shine at Trunk or Treat

by Danny

Trunk or Treat is one of our favorite community traditions here at Chick-fil-A Whitman Square and Somerton! Each year, our faithful community partners – local businesses and organizations – come together to create a safe, family-friendly evening of trick-or-treating for more than 2,000 children and their families from the Far Northeast. If you’re joining us as a vendor, thank you — your participation is what makes this event so special for our community.

To help you make the most of your time (and investment of candy), here are a few tips to maximize visibility and leave a lasting impression with families.

1. Make Your Vehicle a Showstopper

If your business has a wrapped or branded vehicle, this is the perfect time to show it off. Nothing says “we’re here for the community” like a fun, recognizable car decked out for Halloween.

No wrapped vehicle? No problem! Add large signs, banners, or magnets with your logo — and don’t be afraid to get creative. Think about decorating in line with any seasonal marketing campaigns you’re running to make your trunk even more eye-catching. The more festive and on-brand you are, the more memorable you’ll be to families.

Whitman Square Lowe’s used a branded rental truck as their trunk and decorated with store merchandise – a creative way to celebrate the season while also showcasing products available for Trick-or-Treaters to purchase.

2. Give Trick-or-Treaters Something to Take Home

Kids come for the candy, but parents notice the extras. Think about offering something small and useful with your logo on it:

  • Stickers
  • Coloring sheets
  • Coupons or discount cards
  • Pens, pencils, or stress balls
  • Small toys

The key is that it’s tangible and branded so families remember you even after the last piece of candy is gone.

With thousands of children in attendance, it’s important to keep things flowing. Activities like spinning wheels or games can be fun, but they often cause bottlenecks. Instead, focus on giveaways that are quick and easy to hand out, or create “take-home” activities (like a coloring page or puzzle sheet) that families can enjoy later.

Doc Bresler’s Cavity Busters brought their mascot and handed out toothbrushes with their logo – a creative way to promote healthy habits while making their trunk both fun and memorable for our trick-or-treaters.

3. Bring Your Mascot — in Costume!

If your business has a mascot, TOT is the perfect time to let them shine. Kids love snapping photos and giving high-fives, and parents will remember the extra effort. Take it one step further by dressing your mascot up for Halloween — it’s a fun way to get into the spirit while keeping your brand front and center.

Super hero cow brought plenty of smiles

4. Bring Your Team Spirit

Casting is so important – Families love meeting the people behind the business. Bring your brightest team members along to hand out candy and greet guests – matching shirts, costumes, or even just big smiles go a long way in creating a memorable experience.

Philly SkatePlex comes ready to entertain – in costumes and skates

5. Share on Social Media

Don’t forget to let your fans know you’ll be at Trunk or Treat! Post photos of your decorated trunk, tag us, and use event hashtags so the community sees your involvement. We’ll be sharing highlights too, and we love to feature our vendors whenever possible.

Thanks Manor College for the shoutout!
Creative social prior to the event can showcase your involvement in the community and make the event stronger for both of us!

6. Consider Sponsoring an Activity

Looking for even more visibility? This year, we’re inviting community partners to sponsor event activations like the DJ booth, face painting station, photo booth, roaming characters, or pumpkin painting.

Sponsorships help us cover event costs — from safety measures like barricades and lighting rentals to the little details that make the night memorable for families. In return, sponsors get added visibility through:

  • Shout-outs from the DJ throughout the evening
  • Recognition on event signage
  • Features on our social media pages

It’s a great way to stand out, show community spirit, and connect your brand with the fun memories families will take home.

Characters from Trolls, hired by The Goldenberg Group, made a special appearance at our 2019 Trunk or Treat

We’re so grateful for our community partners who make TOT a safe and fun tradition for families year after year. Your participation not only brings joy to thousands of children, but it also puts your organization in front of a large and diverse audience.

This event is more than just handing out candy — it’s an opportunity to connect with families, showcase your brand in a memorable way, and leave a lasting impression that can carry beyond one October evening. The more visible, creative, and engaging your trunk is, the more likely families are to remember your business long after TOT is over.

We can’t wait to see your creativity on display and to celebrate together on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Thank you for helping us make this event both a community tradition and a platform for local businesses to shine!

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