Annually at Palatine High School, students and members of the Best Buddies program gather on a chilly October evening, with laughter, costumes and decorated car trunks filling the parking lot. On Oct. 28, the trunk-or-treat event brought together students of all abilities for a night full of fun activities and a sense of community.

“The trunk-or-treat is one of the events we have done every year since we started Best Buddies,” sponsor Abigail Quijano-Colunga said. “I’d say it’s one of our biggest events that everyone looks forward to.”

This year’s event hosted 21 trunks, all uniquely decorated with creative and vibrant themes. Families handed out treats and enjoyed music as buddy groups made their way from trunk to trunk. The event not only celebrated Halloween but also recognized the friendships and inclusiveness that make Best Buddies such an important part of the Palatine community.

“The planning process was a lot,” officer Emily Wheeler said. “We had to make sure that we had enough trick-or-treating bags, enough Halloween stickers for everyone and set up the red carpet for the costume fashion show.”

The club provided paper bags for collecting candy, along with stickers to decorate, coloring sheets and Halloween movies playing to keep students occupied while inside after trunk-or-treating.

Despite the busy preparation, Wheeler and the rest of the officers worked hard to make sure every detail was covered. Their goal was to create an exciting, welcoming atmosphere where everyone could feel included.

“Something that really stood out to me was all of the kind parents and teachers who did a trunk for the event,” Wheeler said. “It truly brings the whole Palatine community together, and shows that we want to give kids with disabilities a place to have fun and be themselves.”

The event’s annual success reflects the club’s mission of friendship. From the precise planning to the creative trunks, the night captured the spirit of connection that defines the Best Buddies program.

“My favorite part of the trunk-or-treat was going out and getting all of the candy,” buddy Denise Kolev said. “I love receiving my favorite candy, which is KitKats.”