Pumpkintastic Fun at the Samaritan Inn

By Bettina Restrepo Williford

Pumpkins and laughter filled the hallways of McKinney’s Samaritan Inn as the Plano Junior League hosted the annual Fall Festival for residents of all ages.  Over sixty residents of all ages played games, sang karaoke, posed for pictures, and ate sweets on Tuesday October 21, 2008.

A pumpkin patch was set up in the library so that resident could have their pictures taken.  One resident took pictures with her newborn twins.  “I’m going to send this picture to my Mom,” she said. 

In the children’s room, JLP members helped resident children make foam masks covered in feathers and colorful sequins.  Carnival games were played in other hallways and children received beanie babies as prizes. 

The highlight of the evening was a visit from a “real” Darth Vader.  Children clamored to hold his light-saber.  Teenagers argued whether or not he was a good guy or just extremely cool.  A shy man, originally from Africa, proudly held his own pumpkin as he discovered Halloween traditions.  The room burst into laughter when a mother insisted Darth Vader hold her baby for a picture.

It was a special night for everyone involved, and adult residents were given pumpkins to decorate their rooms.  The evening ended with smiles on a sugar high.

Since 1984, The Samaritan Inn, a non-profit organization, has helped thousands of homeless people in Collin County regain their independence with comprehensive programs and the help of caring individuals and corporations. The Samaritan Inn was established in 1984 after community leaders joined together to address the issue of homelessness in Collin County. Twenty four years later, The Samaritan Inn is still the only homeless shelter in a county of over 700,000 residents.