The 9th annual Pumpkin Trail at the Lubbock Arboretum is October 19th – 22nd.
Every year the Arboretum is filled with thousands of pumpkins for everyone to see.
And it’s not possible without dozens of volunteers like Paige Gonzalez and Hailee Larkins.
Both are members of the Miller Girls, a service based organization at Texas Tech.
“You’re living in a community that you’re not from so giving back to a community that has become our home is so important to me,” explained Gonzalez. “It’s become such an amazing experience.”
It’s a lot of work to get the trail ready.
“They brought in these huge trucks and we got in factory lines and we were passing these huge pumpkins to little kids,” Gonzalez said. “It was such a fun experience and everyone was helping.”
“It’s such a community-feel,” said Larkins. “Standing in this line and bringing pumpkins out before anyone got there and then as soon as we finish all the kids come running out.”
Both Gonzalez and Larkins say this is what giving back is all about.
“It builds morale in college students to go out and make a difference but also we’re going out into the world after this and not just spending our four years here so it’s builds character,” Larkins said.
And both say they can’t wait to put smiles on kids’ faces this year.
“Volunteer. It’s just so amazing,” Gonzalez said. “It just builds you up as a person and the rewards are unspeakable there are no words.”
The goal is 2,000 pumpkins and that’s where your help is needed.
Drop off your carved pumpkin to the Lubbock Arboretum Wednesday, October 18th from 7:30am – 8 p.m.
The Arboretum is at 41st and University.
The Pumpkin Trail is October 19th – 22nd.
It’s free for everyone to attend.
