Nate Jacobs, DECA's Central Region Vice President, caught up with Sam Fischer from Wisconsin DECA about one of the association's most popular community service events—Trick-or-Can.
Tell us about yourself and your experience in DECA.
I am a senior at DeForest High School in Wisconsin. I have been involved in DECA every year of high school and can say that it is truly a next-level organization! I was a chapter officer for the past two years and am now serving as the Wisconsin DECA Vice President of Community Service.
What is Trick-or-Can?
Trick-or-Can is Wisconsin DECA's largest community service event. Each year around Halloween, members throughout the state ‘trick or treat’ for canned goods to give to their local food pantry, providing tens of thousands of items. We also have numerous related challenges, including best can-structuring design, recap video, participation level and costume.
What steps do you take to prepare for this event?
Since Trick-or-Can is a really well-known event, my job is fairly easy! I make sure all of our forms are up-to-date and create promotional items. A lot of the work is done on the local level. Chapters typically recruit members to participate and then divide up their communities to have members visit every house.
Why is this event important to you?
The most important aspect of this event is helping our local communities. With the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are struggling to make ends meet and put food on their tables—we can help change that.
How would you recommend another association or chapter officer team get involved?
The first thing that I would recommend is making sure that your community knows about the event. You have to market your event so people know how to prepare. Additionally, make sure that your local food pantry knows your plan and ask them if there are other specific ways that you can support them.
How can student leaders get in contact with you if they have questions?
My email is widecacommunityservice@gmail.com and my Instagram is @DECA__sam.
I want to thank Sam Fischer and Wisconsin DECA for sharing this amazing community outreach event. I hope you all have an amazing fall and continue to make an impact within your community. Let’s show the world that DECA makes a difference!
