"Halloween is not just for witches and ghosts to scare...But is also to let others know we care!" This was the motto for seven students from the University of Nevada, Reno Orvis School of Nursing as they collected donations of canned goods and nonperishable items for residents of the Sierra Manor, a retirement and assisted-living home.

"The purpose of the event was to raise goods for the vulnerable, low-income senior citizens in our community, as well as raise awareness of the underserved populations in Reno and to help meet their needs through community outreach and support," Katie Catricala, one of the nursing students and organizer of the event, said. "The event allowed for underserved populations to receive necessary goods, as well allowed the community to easily donate to a necessary cause."

The students, as well as Sierra Manor service coordinator Kathy Dietel, left bags and fliers at homes in the neighborhood for neighbors to fill with canned goods for later collection. On the day of the event, the 915 donations were separated into five stations in the dining hall of Sierra Manor, where nearly half of the residents "trick or treated" at each station and chose cans. Residents also had the chance to decorate pumpkins.

"The best part about the Halloween event was not only helping out the residents who were excited about receiving canned goods, but it was also a good way to let the community participate in donating," Catricala said. "This allowed opportunities for many people to donate who may not have the time to get to a donation center."

Dietel, the manor residents and the students hope to make this event an annual tradition.

The seven Orvis students involved with this event were Jessica Duron, Jason Glunt, Cassie Miller, Ariana Holland, Shieryl Acosta, Charmaigne Castaneda, Katie Catricala, and professor Wei-Chen Tung

For more information, visit the Orvis School of Nursing website.