Illinois State's Trick or Treat for Change Inspires Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Chapters Nationwide

Goodwill is spreading across college campuses and communities nationwide thanks to an annual Halloween fundraiser popularized by Illinois State University.

The Trick or Treat for Change program, a collaborative effort of the Illinois State and Illinois Wesleyan University Collegiate Chapter of Habitat for Humanity and Illinois State's Leadership and Service unit has inspired collegiate chapters and Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the country to trick or treat to raise money to build houses.

Two weeks ago, Leadership and Service Specialist Harriett Steinbach and Habitat for Humanity student executive board members Joe DeLazzer and Cameron Simpson presented a session on Trick or Treat for Change at Habitat for Humanity International's Global Village and Youth Leadership Conference in Rosemont.  As a result of the information shared at the conference, trick-or-treaters from the University of Illinois, Florida International University, Purdue University and Syracuse University Habitat for Humanity chapters will be out on Halloween collecting change in their communities.

"I am delighted that other collegiate chapters can build upon the work we've done here," said Tom Gerschick, co-advisor to Illinois State's Habitat for Humanity. "More money raised for Habitat for Humanity nationally translates into more safe, decent, affordable homes being built for people in need."

Trick or Treat for Change was piloted locally in 2004 by the ISU/IWU Habitat for Humanity collegiate chapter. Last year, participants raised nearly $13,000. The goal this year is $15,000. For more information on the chapter visit http://lilt.ilstu.edu/habitat/.