CARBONDALE, Ill. – The Southern Illinois University women’s basketball team is partnering with The Survivor Empowerment Center (S.E.C.) and the Dentmon Center to host ‘Halloween Truck or Treat.’

“We are extremely excited to be partnering with the Dentmon Center and The Survivor Empowerment Center for such a special event,” head coach Kelly Bond-White said. “Anytime we have a chance to give back to our community, we want to be a part of that. We get an opportunity to help make young people smile. Our young ladies and coaches will be passing out candy, face painting, and serving as costume judges. Come out and join us for a spirited night.”

The event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Dentmon Center in Carbondale, Ill.

“The Dentmon Center is extremely pleased to partner with SIU Women’s Basketball Team, Coach Bond-White and the S.E.C. on this event,” said Aaron Lee, Dentmon Center Program Director. “We are excited to be part of a winning team in regards to serving our community and civic engagement to empower young people to be the best version of themselves. Families have an opportunity to take their children out to watch a movie, have some popcorn and hot dogs, in a fun and safe environment. Add on the ability to participate in trunk or treat and this will make for an enjoyable experience for all.”

The S.E.C.’s mission is to end domestic violence and sexual assault in Southern Illinois, as well as assisting survivors of these crimes and their non-offending significant others.

“October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. Although we tend to focus on topics more during their “month”, this needs to change given this is a crisis that needs attention all year,” said Sarah Settles, S.E.C. Domestic Violence Program Coordinator. “The Survivor Empowerment Center located at 610 S.Thompson Street. Carbondale provides services to domestic violence and sexual assault survivors including men, women, and children. Domestic violence does not discriminate. Come out and show your support this Friday for the Take Back the Night march and Saturday for the trunk or treat.”

“Watching my mother rebuild her life after suffering through domestic violence at the hands of my father, makes the work the S.E.C does special to me,” Bond-White said. “I’m so proud of the courage survivors demonstrate. We all can use a caring hand, I’m thankful the S.E.C and Dentmon Center lead the way in always extending one.”