West Phila. youth trick-or-treat at Greek houses

To jump-start their Halloween festivities, little kids went trick-or-treating at the fraternity and sorority houses on Penn's campus on Friday as part of the West Philadelphia Tutoring Project's Halloween celebration.

"I think it's a great turnout," said College senior Elliott Kozin, a WPTP team leader. "I think it's even better than most years. We have [the service organization] First Book and the Dental School who didn't come last year. ... All the kids seem to be having fun."

Altogether, 11 fraternities and sororities participated in the celebration.

College sophomore Allie Wiener of Sigma Delta Tau said she enjoyed giving out mini Snickers bars to the kids.

She also said that the trick-or-treating was a good way to give Penn positive publicity.

"I think it's really good for us to reach out to the community," Wiener said. "Penn tends to seclude itself sometimes. I think that it's really nice to have other people come in and see that we're welcoming and inviting."

About 60 local WPTP students attended the annual party.

Beta Theta Pi's annual haunted house was a big hit among the youngsters.

Upon entering the house, the kids first got to listen to a story about two fictional professors who slaughtered children. Then, they were escorted through the house, running into a myriad of spooky sights, including an angry chef who cut out livers. Finally, they reached the very top floor, only to be greeted by the two bloodthirsty professors.

Wharton sophomore Healey Cypher of Beta was in charge of coordinating the production.

"It was a fantastic turnout," Cypher said. "The kids seemed to really like it. ... It was a lot of fun."

Gathering first at the Civic House, tutees and tutors alike participated in arts and crafts activities, watched a Stimulus Children's Theater play about Cub Scouts and munched on cookies donated by Au Bon Pain before setting out to go trick-or-treating.

Around 14 team leaders were put in charge of groups of approximately six kids each.

Dental School students were present to hand out free toothbrushes and toothpaste.

In addition, the local chapter of First Book -- a national organization devoted to giving children the opportunity to read -- distributed free books to kids who made bookmarks at the arts and crafts table.

This year, WPTP has sent 450 Penn students to tutor at 14 West Philadelphia schools, including University City High School, West Philadelphia High School and Sayre Middle School.

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