by Madison Newton
Every year at the end of October, actors across the nation head out into their communities to trick-or-treat for canned goods. On October 29, Republic High School’s International Thespian Society (ITS) troupe participated in the event. Trick or Treat so Tots Can Eat (TOTS Eat) is an ITS community service initiative that aims to provide a helping hand to local communities “because hunger is a scary thing.”
According to the Educational Theatre Association, TOTS Eat has helped collect more than 4 million pounds of food for neighbors in need. This year the RHS troupe collected about 200 cans that are equivalent to 215 pounds of food.
“We collected over 200 cans and several packages of socks that we donated to Socktober at the high school from the community in a little under two hours,” said ITS Vice President Mykayla Shank.
Before major holidays, local food banks and charities are often faced with food and supplies shortages. TOTS Eat gives thespians the opportunity to give back to their communities as well as make a name for their troupe locally.
“We sell ads for our playbills to businesses in our community and we use that money to help fund our shows,” said Shank. ”Without the support of our community, we couldn’t do that. And it’s always good to get out there and help those who are less fortunate.”
RHS’s ITS troupe is unsure of any future community service projects, but Shank said things are always changing in the Tiger Theatre.