Newtown’s Halloween traditions live on as Trinity Church prepares to host is 9th Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge.

The youth of Trinity church invite the community to showcase their carved creations, which will be illuminated and displayed in front of the church at 36 Main Street on Halloween. Carved pumpkins can be dropped off starting Sunday, October 27. A $5 donation is requested per pumpkin, and 100% of all funds collected continue to go to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.

Donations can also be sent to Trinity Church, 36 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470, or made online via trinitynewtownct.org.

The Great Pumpkin Challenge was founded in 2011 by Main Street resident Mackenzie Page, who was inspired to support her friend, Zoe McMorran, who was diagnosed with brain cancer. The money she raised went to Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. The youth of Trinity Church gladly took over the project in 2016 when Mackenzie left for college.

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp was founded in 1988 by legendary actor and visionary philanthropist Paul Newman so children with serious illnesses could just be kids, and “raise a little hell” while experiencing diverse and transformational friendships that go hand in hand with camp. The organization provides a “different kind of healing” to these children and their families through year-round programs celebrating the fun, friendship, and spirit of childhood.

All pumpkins will be lit up on October 31, when Trinity brings light to Newtown and the lives of children battling serious illnesses.

For more information, contact Kim Merrill at kmerrill@trinitynewtownct.org or 203-426-9070.