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By now, “trunk-or-treat” hardly needs an introduction. What started in church parking lots in the 1990s as a safe, family-friendly alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating has become a tradition in its own right—organized not just by churches but by schools, city councils and nonprofits.
And what’s not to love? People show up. Families who might never walk into a church will gladly stop by a parking lot filled with music, laughter and kids in costume. It takes work to pull off—but it’s joyful, welcoming and worth every bit of effort.
For The Salvation Army, it’s also an opportunity.
“Trunk-or-treat tells the community, ‘We’re here,’” said Major Emmanuel Masango, Territorial Youth Secretary for The Salvation Army in the Western Territory. “It opens the door to conversations about music programs, troops and church. It gives us a platform to connect one-on-one with people who might not know what we offer—and that can lead to something more.”
Long Beach (California) Red Shield Corps Officer Captain Jared Arnold anticipates a big turnout for this year’s Trunk or Treat.
“It’s a safe place for kids from all backgrounds to come in costume, get a little candy, play some games and just enjoy being a kid,” he said. “We get amazing turnout, and more and more community groups join in every year with some of the most over-the-top decorated trunks. It’s a great way to share our space and build connections.”
Not every visitor will come back for Sunday worship—and that’s OK. Events like these help shift perceptions. For many in the community, it may be the first time they experience The Salvation Army as more than thrift stores and red kettles. That moment of connection, even in the form of a glow stick bracelet or a pumpkin beanbag toss, opens the door to deeper awareness of the Army’s ministry and mission.
Whether you’re hosting your first trunk-or-treat or looking to refresh your annual event, here are seven mission-aligned—and fun—trunk ideas.
Noah’s Ark
Decorate your trunk with animals two-by-two—stuffed animals or cardboard cutouts work well—and a big rainbow. A cardboard boat or brown plastic tablecloth can help create the ark. Costumes might include Noah, his family or animal onesies.
Jonah and the Whale
Create a large “whale mouth” using a blue tarp or cardboard for kids to walk through or toss beanbags into. Add seaweed and ocean-themed elements to complete the look. Volunteers could dress as Jonah, sailors or sea creatures.
Armor of God
Use Roman-style armor, shield props or knight-themed décor, and label each piece (Helmet of Salvation, Shield of Faith, etc.) for a fun way to introduce Ephesians 6. Kids could try on simple “armor” or take home printable coloring sheets.
Fruits of the Spirit Garden
Use plastic fruit or large cutouts to represent the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace and so on—with labels for each. Add vines, flowers and other garden décor to tie it together. Volunteers could dress as gardeners or wear fruit costumes.
Let Your Light Shine
Cover your trunk with string lights, lanterns or glow sticks. Include a sign with Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others…” and consider handing out glow bracelets or small LED lights as giveaways.
God’s Greatest Gift
Decorate the trunk like a giant wrapped gift. Include a sign with John 3:16 or James 1:17. Small gifts or candy tucked inside miniature gift boxes can make the theme tangible and memorable.
The Good Shepherd
Use green grass decor, sheep cutouts and a shepherd’s staff. A sign referencing Psalm 23 helps connect the theme, and a volunteer dressed as a shepherd can help bring the story to life for kids.
Thoughtful treats—and more
Yes, there will be candy—but that’s not appropriate for everyone. Consider including allergy-friendly options like stickers or small toys. Display a teal pumpkin to indicate you have non-food treats. Include an invitation to a youth or family night or a holiday event. If you have a hospitality team, a cup of hot cider or cocoa can make the moment even sweeter. And don’t forget a photo booth to help families capture the memory.
At its core, trunk-or-treat is about more than costumes and candy. It’s about presence—creating a space where people feel safe, welcomed and seen.
For some families, it might be the first time they experience The Salvation Army as a place of community, not just charity. That connection matters.
Whether your trunk has cardboard waves or glow sticks, your welcome could be the beginning of something more.
Do Good:
- Imagine we had a good-living modern village with real talk, real stories and real support for being human and hopeful. Join the Hopefuls Collective and find a place of low-pressure, high-encouragement love anytime you need it, whether you know it or not. Get in the group today.
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