Annual Haunted Halls bridges gap between students, children

Written by Megan Graftaas | Archived Nov. 10, 2020

The second floor of Ianni collaborated in the decoration of their halls. Photo courtesy of Megan Graftaas

On the Monday before Halloween, the children of Duluth are welcomed into the residence halls of UMD for some trick or treating. It is on this day that college kids and children will walk amongst each other, a day known as Haunted Halls.   

Haunted Halls is a 22 year tradition, according to Housing and Residence Life’s Katie Lindow.

“Since UMD is a central part of Duluth, this is a great chance for us to give back,” Lindow said.

While the event is free to the public, there is a suggested donation of nonperishable foods and monetary donations. Housing and Residence Life partners with a charity each year. This year, Haunted Halls supports direct aid to Puerto Rico and CHUM, a Duluth organization aiding those in poverty.

A child partakes in a game entitled “Who You Gonna Call?” where she has to decide which “Everyday Hero” she would call in a given scenario. Photo courtesy of Megan Graftaas

This year’s theme was “Everyday Heroes,” honoring doctors, teachers, firemen and parents.

The night included snacks, crafts and games. The police and fire department came to greet the children of the community as well.

Many of the students were eager to give back. There were over 80 students who opened up their dorms for trick or treating and decorated their halls.

Alexa Anderson and Malorie Hall pose in front of their dorm room. Photo courtesy of Megan Graftaas

Among those are the residences of the second floor of Ianni whose hall was completely decked out. Resident, Elly Johnson, said that this served as a team bonding experience for their floor, and they had been decorating last night and all of this afternoon.

Roommates Alexa Anderson and Malorie Hall are both education majors at UMD who were enthusiastic about giving back to the community.

“We love the kids,” Anderson said.

She also noted how seldom students are able to interact with children while living on campus.