Trunk-or-treat in Cressona benefits Toys for Tots
Oct. 16—CRESSONA — More than 50 vehicles adorned in Halloween gear convened at Advance Auto Parts at the Cressona Mall on Saturday for an expansive trunk-or-treat and fundraising event.
Hosted by Advance Auto Parts, the event served as a fitting introduction to the Halloween season for both gearheads and trick-or-treaters, with proceeds benefiting Toys for Tots.
Cars with all kinds of spooky decorations, such as skeletons, vampires, aliens and inner organs, were on display in the parking lot outside the auto store.
"It's a good way to get businesses together and get regular patrons to come together," said Kyle Greene, Advance Auto Parts manager, "and donate as much as we can and make sure that our local kids are taken care of."
Inspired by his previous work with Toys for Tots and his love for Halloween, Greene decided to combine the two into a singular event.
Sponsors for the trunk-or-treat included JJ Tire and My Mechanic Auto Repair, which supplied the trailer for toy donations.
More than 200 people attended the event, including several who turned out in costume as skeletons, superheroes, supernatural creatures, bananas and other characters.
Mark and Dorothy Thorne, of New Philadelphia, brought their beloved 1984 Chevrolet El Camino, decked out in spooky decor, like a dead dog, a vampire, skeletons and a butler serving eyeballs on a silver tray.
"We go to a lot of shows with this," Mark Thorne said.
Many vehicle owners at the event were represented in regional car clubs, such as the Syndicate Society, PA Street Dreams and Elite Performance.
"It's really mainly about the kids," said Matthew Yulick, of My Mechanic Auto Repair. "The kids give out candy, donate to those who are in need for Christmastime, and it's pretty much just getting involved with the community."
One vehicle that drew a lot of attention was a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, hoisted on a set of enormous 65-inch ag tires.
"We named the truck 'Carnage,'" said Zackery Elbert, of Germansville, the vehicle's owner. "It's mainly used for offroading and raising money for kids with cancer and autism."
Jason and Jodie Mika, of Schuylkill Haven, brought a pair of Jeeps to the car show. Although this was their first time participating in a trunk-or-treat, they did not skimp on decorations.
Jason decorated his 1982 Jeep CJ-8 with spooky imagery, like an alien, string lights, an ominous-looking tree and a pumpkin, while Jodie's 2020 Jeep Gladiator was accompanied by life-size figures of Frankenstein and the Grim Reaper.
"It's a fun Saturday evening, and good for the community and the kids," Jason Mika said.
Contact the writer: hlee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6085
