Miramar Young Marines Partner with El Cajon Elks Lodge: Trunk-or-Treat

On October 23, 2022, the Miramar Young Marines partnered with the El Cajon Elks Lodge (Lodge 1812) in El Cajon, California for their first-ever Trunk-or-Treat Halloween fair. Members of the Elks Lodge parked lines of vehicles in the parking lot and adorned them with Halloween decorations. They filled the rear of their vehicles with treats. There was also a carnival game section run by the Miramar Young Marines. A large line of costumed children and their families formed outside the event; approximately 1200 people in total.

When the event opened, each youth was given an Elks Lodge Drug Awareness Program (DAP) bag with various anti-drug informational items inside. Very much like the Young Marines, “The Elks are committed to eliminating the use and abuse of illegal drugs by all members of society and believe that in order to ensure a bright future for our country, it is essential that children be raised in a drug-free environment.”

After entering the venue, the children went trick-or-treating from vehicle to vehicle ending at the carnival zone. There they met the uniformed Young Marines operating the various games from ring-toss to a roulette prize wheel. The children won candy and prizes, and each was given Young Marines Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) stickers to add to their DAP bag! The Young Marines gave out 400 DDR stickers!

The Trunk-or-Treat event was a great way for children to safely enjoy Halloween and was a great success. Many of the attendees were very interested in the Young Marines and asked a multitude of questions about the program. As always, the Young Marines were knowledgeable and professional representatives of the program.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks was founded in 1868 in New York City and has since spread to almost 2000 locations throughout the nation. They are, “A generous charitable foundation that each year gives millions in scholarships, (is) an inspiration to youth, (and) a friend to veterans, and more.”

About the Young Marines

The Young Marines of the Marine Corps League is a national non-profit 501c (3) youth education and service program for boys and girls, aged eight through the completion of high school. The Young Marines promotes the mental, moral, and physical development of its members. The program focuses on teaching the values of leadership, teamwork, and self-discipline, so its members can live and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

For more information visit the website:

https://youngmarines.org/unit/...