Trunk-N-Treat’s safe Halloween alternative

By Allen A. Buchanan, Staff Writer

ST. PETERSBURG – Unity of Midtown hosted its first Trunk-N-Treat event for kids last Saturday, Oct. 29. Patrice Woodson organized and spearheaded the event as part of her recent appointment as the youth minister under the guidance Rev. Dr. Doral R. Pulley.

“It’s a safe alternative that many churches do on the south side as a positive way to commune with the youth in a Halloween trick-or-treating event,” said Woodson.

Members who participated in the event decorated their car trunks and filled them up with school supplies, food and the traditional Halloween candy.

Woodson, who is a navy veteran returning to St. Pete after 16 years, is a life-long member of Unity of Midtown. Pulley immediately saw the potential that she possessed to lead a youth ministry.

Her leadership abilities emerged at a young age, graduating from Dixie Hollins High School 18 years ago as vice president of her senior class. Woodson’s family is also historically rooted in the beginnings of Unity of Midtown.

“My uncle and aunt—John and Beatrice Baker—are historical members of Unity,” said Woodson proudly.

The spiritual foundation of Unity of Midtown dates back to the late 1880s. However, the spiritual sanctuary evolved out of the Jordan Park Unity Study Group in the 1950s.

“Our church was built from the ground up back by African Americans from the south side of St. Petersburg,” said Woodson. Mamie Hughes donated the parcel of land where the church was constructed and completed November 1957,” she said.

Located at 511 Prescott St. S, Unity of Midtown personifies its mission and name with an integrated congregation that was out in full force to assist Woodson in giving the children something to feel good about on Halloween weekend.

Members of all ages came together in the church parking lot that was transformed into a dance floor as everyone, including Pulley, kicked up their heels in the Cupid Shuffle community dance line.