By Olivia Thames, @deca_liv_ | Hamilton Sussex, WI
Halloween is a night filled with costumes and candy, but for Wisconsin DECA, it is the perfect opportunity to make a difference throughout the state. Each October, DECA chapters across Wisconsin participate in Trick or Can, a statewide initiative that turns a night of trick-or-treating into a mission to fight hunger.
How It's Done
Instead of going door to door for candy, DECA members collect canned goods and other non-perishable items to support local food pantries. This initiative not only provides resources for those in need but also demonstrates the powerful DECA community. Chapters also have the unique opportunity to win recognition through contests such as Largest Involvement, Best Recap Video, Best Use of #BeTheOne, and even Best Group Costume!
The Impact
Last year, Wisconsin DECA was able to donate a total of 1,427,373 canned and non-perishable items with almost 2500 participating DECA members. Chapters were also able to collect $3,010 to donate to their local food pantry. For many chapters, Trick or Can has become a beloved tradition. Members bond over the shared experience of walking door-to-door and providing support to those in need within their community.
Chapter Spotlights
West De Pere DECA
“As a chapter, West De Pere DECA collected over 2,000 cans! With an original goal of 1000, our members went and crushed it! We divided the area around us into sections and had groups of 4-5 people gather cans from their designated area. We had a great community response and are ready to gather even more cans this year.”
.png)
Waunakee DECA
“Last October, Waunakee DECA was able to collect 400+ cans. This wasn't just a Waunakee DECA initiative; however, it was a joint initiative with Waunakee FBLA and Student Council. By collaborating with two other CTSOs, we were able to maximize the number of cans collected, resulting in over 400 cans. Working with our local food pantry is always so incredible because of how much they do for our community, and by collecting canned goods, we hope that it truly helps them in their effort to support our community."
%20copy.png)
Appleton East DECA
“In October 2024, Appleton East DECA collected over 6,900 cans and goods during our Trick or Can event; all of which were donated to a local food pantry, Saint Joseph’s. To achieve such great success, we gathered support from DECA members, as well as our community. Weeks prior to the event, we split our community into 17 routes, which students could sign up for. Also, we created an event shirt for every member, thanks to one of our sponsors, whose logo was displayed on the back.”
Arrowhead DECA
“Arrowhead DECA collected 600+ cans and nonperishable items during Trick or Can, with over 300 items gathered by two members who distributed flyers, collected donations, and organized everything afterward themself! In addition to that, we had groups of 30 or more members who also distributed flyers in neighborhoods across our area and collected cans door-to-door. We even turned the drive into a scavenger hunt to keep participants engaged, and we boosted the event through social media marketing. All donations went to the Hartland Food Pantry, making a meaningful impact on families in need.”
%20copy%202.png)
Madison West DECA
“Madison West had an incredible Trick or Can, collecting around 4,000 pounds of canned goods! It’s always rewarding to see everyone in our chapter working together; our community was so appreciative. Remarkably, one family from West saw our initiative and invited us to watch the Packers game at their house. They even surprised us with homemade baked goods! Still, the need in our community remains– one in every ten people in Dane County experiences food insecurity. Our chapter is passionate about this prevalent issue and continues to support our community.”
