Don't be surprised when kids this Halloween hand back the candy bar and other such sugary treats and ask for canned goods instead.

Several students from Chilliwack schools are using Halloween, the evening of trick or treating, to collect much-needed food for the Salvation Army – all thanks to Me to We.

More than 300 Chilliwack students attended the all-day affair in Vancouver and listened to a range of activists, inspirational speakers, and even the Dalai Lama. They were told that they could change the world, all they had to do was try.

Craig Kielburger, Canadian activist and co-founder of Me to We, challenged the 16,000 in attendance to become active citizens in their local communities and global communities. One way is through Halloween for Hunger.

Instead of the costumed capers going door-to-door asking for sweet treats, Kielburger suggested they ask for canned goods to help those living in poverty and hunger.

For Tamara Kooyman, Grade 9 student at Rosedale middle traditional school, it was easy to commit. Kooyman wasn't planning on going trick-or-treating, she thought she was too old, but this initiative is giving her one more Halloween adventure to remember.

"You can get candy whenever," said Kooyman. "And yeah, sure it's fun to get candy, but I'm sure it will feel better getting people who need food food."

Halloween for Hunger was started in 1988 by a small group of university friends who wanted to relive the joy and excitement of trick-or-treating, but they didn't want their mature age to spook their neighbours. So, rather than ask for candy, they asked for food to donate to their local food bank.

Now, 20 years later, thousands of young people, including elementary, middle and secondary school students and university students from across North America, trick-or-treat for tens of thousands of non-perishable food items.

And by doing so, they are taking action in the fight against poverty and hunger in their very own community.

A welcomed notion for the Chilliwack Salvation Army.

The food bank's shelves are so depleted right now, said Pastor Tim Bohr.

"There's a tremendous need. We're at the end of the rope as far as inventory goes," said Bohr, who was blown away by the desires of the young students to want to help their community.

"It's certainly heartwarming to see the next generation exhibit this kind of community spirt and compassion for the needy."

Students at Rosedale middle traditional school collected on Wednesday and Thursday, hoping to raise 10,000 food items for the Salvation Army.

Students at Sardis secondary and G.W. Graham will be collecting on Halloween night.

kbartel@theprogress.com