Community keeps Día de los Muertos spirit alive in Elkhart

ELKHART, Ind.-- Though Día de los Muertos officially wrapped up last weekend, families in Elkhart gathered on Thursday to keep the spirit of the holiday alive — with candy, costumes, and community connection.

Goodwill Excel Center hosted a Día de los Muertos Trick-or-Treat event, inviting local advocacy groups to hand out candy and share information about community resources.

“It is a celebration for those that are no longer with us, those who went ahead on their journey,” said Laura Muñoz with AutismoConAmor. “It is a form of remembrance through altars, and we demonstrate the path for them to come back to us once a year.”

The event also aimed to bridge the gap between Latino residents and local organizations that can help them thrive. One of those groups at the event, Center for Healing and Hope, provides healthcare access for uninsured families.

“There are a lot of immigrants, Hispanic folks, who do not have access to healthcare in any way, shape, or form,” said Missy Schrock, executive director at the Center for Healing and Hope. “Because we know that immigrants who are undocumented do not have access to Medicaid. They do need to be able to see a doctor… it’s a human right.”

The tables hosted by organizations and advocacy groups at Thursday's event were fill with candy but also had resources and take-home information packets for adults. Many vendors took the opportunity to put up ofrendas with photos of their loved ones.

The Goodwill Excel Center provided a safe, casual environment for families to celebrate their culture and get connected with their neighbors.