Tonight on the Hill, UCLA undergraduates will be greeted by nearly 3,000 underprivileged children for the 20th annual All-Hill Halloween.
The children, who range in age from 6 to 10 years old and come from economically disadvantaged Los Angeles areas, will trick-or-treat in various residence halls on the Hill from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Although, for the past 20 years, on-campus students in the 14 residence halls have bought bags of candy from residence hall staff to participate in All-Hill Halloween, the tradition may be in danger.
There had been some speculation that the event would be canceled this year due to funding issues and high gas prices, since the students are transported to the Hill via bus.
While this proved to be false, the event, unfortunately, is not likely to be hosted at UCLA next year, said Cheryl Sims, associate director of the UCLA Office of Residential Life (ORL).
The possible cancellation is due to construction on the Hill, causing it to be unsafe for the child visitors.
Rieber Hall is currently under renovation, and only the first floor is open, according to the ORL Web site.
The renovations of floors two through seven of Rieber Hall won’t be completed until Spring 2010, and the renovation process may present a danger for children.
And there are still plans for other residential renovations.
Sims said there is a chance the event will be moved to USC.
“We’re trying to see whether “˜SC has an interest in picking it up for us over the next five years,” she said.
Though it is unlikely, another possibility is that it will be held at Drake Stadium in the future, Sims said.
But it is at least safe for this year, and it is without any changes.
“We have the same elementary schools and community schools that have participated in the past,” Sims said.
She said that some of the schools have even participated since the conception of the event.
The trick-or-treaters at All-Hill Halloween are escorted through the residence halls and are able to collect candy from residents.
Before the event, students living on each floor of the dorms decorate the floors to create a festive atmosphere.
Sims said that the event is great for young children since it gives them something to look forward to each year.
It also exposes them to the college housing experience.
“We’re providing a safe place for elementary school kids to trick-or-treat on the Hill,” she said.