Shriner kids get treats from Gaters

The first rain of the season might have dampened Halloween for a lot of city kids, but thanks to a group of SF State students the fun went on as scheduled for children at Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children in San Francisco.

As part of a new "life-skills program" introduced to the SF State Athletic Department earlier this year by Academic Coordinator Doug Hupke, students from the soccer, volleyball and cross-country teams went to Shriners on Halloween eve, bringing tricks and treats to children unable to leave the hospital.

Hiding in rooms throughout the hospital, SF State students waited as children, mostly wheelchair bound, rode around knocking on doors asking for candy. When the doors opened, children were greeted by athletes dressed for the occasion.

Throughout the evening students took pictures with the children and helped them decorate pumpkins. Children also took part in a costume contest, pumpkin passing games and a doughnut-eating contest.

"I'm having a very good time," said one athlete, dressed as the cartoon character Fred Flintstone. "It's good to give back to the community, and at the same time bring Halloween to children who otherwise might not have one."

According to Mark Papadopoulos, SF State's director of Media and Community Relations, the university made the call to Shriners, asking if volunteers were needed for the evening.

"In the past, SF State has not gotten out much in the community," Papadopoulos said. "The athletes on this campus want to show the community that they are role models and that they want to give back. This is the first step in reaching out to the community."

Papadopoulos said he was hoping to get 10 to 12 students, but wound up with 23.

Mallar Goodrich, a junior on the men's soccer team who was dressed as a phantom, said he decided to come to the party before taking his own little brothers and sisters trick-or-treating.

"These kids can't get out, so it's great to be able to bring them some happiness," Goodrich said. "This is a great idea -- hopefully we can do this more often."

Eight- year- old Joey Johannsen, dressed as Jason from the "Friday the 13th" movie series, was happy to have the students come to Shriners.

"I like that there are so many people here," he said.

Hospital Coordinator Diana Sundberg said she hopes the gathering becomes an annual event.

"This is easily the largest group of volunteers we've ever had come in," Sundberg said.

According to Papadopoulos, the Athletic Department is planning on doing other things in the community. This month, Papadopoulos hopes to get some volunteers to help out at soup kitchens throughout the city during Thanksgiving.

"We have an obligation to the community," Papadopoulos said. "They give so much to us, so it's right to give back to them."

[ Golden Gater Online November 2, 1995 ]

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