Children decked out as tiny dragons, pint-sized fairies and little ladybugs converged on St. Peter’s Episcopal Church parking lot recently, ready to flutter about for an early Halloween celebration.
The special occasion was the MOMS Club of the Medford Area’s annual Trunk or Treat, when participating moms decorate their car trunks in Halloween décor and children parade around the parking lot, trick-or-treating at each vehicle.
The Trunk or Treat is just one of many special events hosted by the MOMS Club, which is currently at 92 members strong.
“The idea (behind the club) was to give moms with small children something to do with their children,” club president Leslie Hurff said. “I know a lot more people now. And I feel like we’re giving back. I think it’s good for moms to meet other moms going through what they’re going through.”
Club membership vice president Corlynn Hullfish added that Medford is not a “sidewalk community,” and the club affords both moms and kids an opportunity to socialize and meet others from the area.
“It’s all about meeting people,” she said.
The first MOMS Club started in California in 1983, and now there are more than 1,500 chapters around the country. The Medford chapter started in 2006 when it branched off from the former Marlton-Medford MOMS Club.
Hullfish said the Medford club works to be all-inclusive, welcoming all area families. Members come from Medford, Medford Lakes, Shamong, Tabernacle and parts of Southampton.
In addition to special monthly events, like the Trunk or Treat, the club hosts a number of regular activities, such as monthly Crafts and Coffee get-togethers and weekly age-organized playgroups. A few times a month, there are field trips.
“We just had our Scarecrow Stroll, where we looked at the scarecrows decorating Main Street,” Hullfish said.
Every couple of months, the club hosts service projects. Some months, the club visits seniors at Medford Leas. Other times, it hosts food drives.
“We also donate money from fundraisers to Medford schools,” Hullfish said, “so they can give it to families who need it during the holidays.”
While most events involve children, the MOMS Club also affords members a few opportunities to socialize without the kids. Once a month there is a Moms Night Out and a book club.
“We also have our Preschool Fair,” Hullfish said, adding it’s an event in January that is open to the general public, showcasing a number of preschools available in the Medford area. This year’s event is Jan. 22.
Members must live in the 08055 or 08088 zip codes to join the MOMS Club of the Medford Area. A full membership is $35 annually, and an associate membership (which does not include play groups or Crafts and Coffee events) is $15. Fees can be waived under special circumstances. For more information about the MOMS Club of the Medford Area, visit www.medfordareamoms.com.
