Members of the CEUMC, in costume, served at the Soup Kitchen on Halloween.

Volunteering in costume

Because Halloween this year fell on the fifth Saturday of October, coinciding with the Cape Elizabeth UMC’s week to volunteer at the Preble Street Soup Kitchen,  it was an opportunity to have a little fun and perhaps brighten a few lives.

Aria Tuki had the idea that CEUMC volunteers should work in costume at the Soup Kitchen while helping to serve the more than 150 who came for lunch on Halloween afternoon. The idea became a successful venture with volunteers arriving as witches, M&Ms, a surgical nurse, a member of of the Black Eyed Peas, a football player, a character from Where the Wild Things Are, a scary skeleton, and even Lazarus.

Aria also purchased candy and other treats and made up bags to hand to everyone who was served lunch from noon to 1 p.m. In the trick or treat bag, Aria also included  words of encouragement that read:

May you be at peace.
May your heart remain open.
May you awaken to the beauty, the light, and the grace of your own true nature.
May you be healed.
May you be a source of healing to those around you.

When being handed a bag while leaving the soup kitchen, many seemed to be surprised but then immediately grateful.Thank you, Aria, and all who took the time to volunteer on Halloween afternoon.

Aria Tuki and her bags of treats