Spreading Halloween Cheer: AMA’s “Boo Baskets” for Local Hospitals 🎃💜

By Reese Brittingham

Each fall, the UNH American Marketing Association (AMA) looks for creative ways to make a meaningful impact on our community. This Halloween season, our team turned that mission into something tangible — assembling and donating over 40 “Boo Baskets” filled with treats, activities, and handwritten notes for patients and staff at Exeter Hospital and York Hospital.

The idea behind the Boo Baskets was simple: to bring a little bit of brightness to hospital rooms during a time that can often feel isolating, especially for kids spending Halloween in the emergency department. What started as a small outreach idea quickly turned into a club-wide volunteer effort that highlighted not only our members’ teamwork and compassion, but also the strength of our partnerships within the local community.

From Idea to Impact

As Director of Outreach for UNH AMA, I wanted our fall service project to be something that connected with both our values and the season. Halloween is such a lighthearted time for most people, full of costumes, candy, and fun. But for those in hospitals, it can look very different. I started brainstorming how we could make the holiday a little brighter for them, and the idea of “Boo Baskets” came to life.

Our goal was to create baskets filled with small items that could spark smiles: festive candy, stickers, toys, coloring books, and cards from students with kind messages. Each basket was wrapped with care and tagged with a friendly Halloween greeting.

The project began with weeks of planning: gathering supplies, organizing a donation sign-up sheet, and scheduling a packing day. Members of AMA came together one afternoon armed with candy, craft supplies, and a lot of enthusiasm. Within an hour, our table was covered in orange and purple ribbons, paper ghosts, and stacks of goodies waiting to be packed. By the end of the day, we had dozens of completed baskets ready to go, far exceeding our original goal.

Delivering Smiles

Once the baskets were assembled, the next step was coordinating drop-offs to the hospitals. I met up with our AMA faculty advisor, Dana, who has always been incredibly supportive of our outreach initiatives. She volunteered to help transport the baskets to Exeter Hospital, where the staff welcomed them with open arms. Dana shared how grateful the hospital team was to receive them — especially for the pediatric and emergency departments, where a small act of kindness can go a long way.

For York Hospital, I connected with Kate, who helped us coordinate the donation on their end. I met with her to load the baskets into her car, and during our conversation, she explained how impactful efforts like these truly are. She shared that for children visiting the emergency room, especially during holidays, something as simple as receiving a fun basket or a card can completely shift their mood and comfort level.

Hearing that directly from someone who works so closely with patients was incredibly moving. It reminded me that what might seem like a small gesture to us (a basket filled with treats and notes) can mean so much more to someone else.

The Heart Behind the Project

The success of this event wasn’t just measured by how many baskets we made, but by the spirit behind every single one. Each AMA member who participated added their own creative touch: hand-drawn cards, personalized messages, and fun Halloween flair.

Seeing everyone come together to make something meaningful reinforced what I love most about our chapter: our ability to combine creativity, teamwork, and compassion to make a difference. It’s easy to get caught up in competitions, campaigns, and marketing strategy, but at the heart of it all, AMA is about people. Projects like “Boo Baskets” remind us why community engagement is such a vital part of what we do.

Our members were genuinely excited to be part of something that gave back. Many of them said this event helped them feel more connected not just to the club, but to the wider community as well. It was a fun and fulfilling way to blend service with the creativity that defines marketing students.

A Lasting Impression

Both Exeter and York Hospital expressed how much they appreciated the effort, and it was heartwarming to hear that the baskets brought smiles to so many faces. For the hospital staff, these baskets served as a reminder that students and community members are thinking of them — especially those working long hours or spending the holiday away from home.

For the patients, particularly children, the Boo Baskets added a touch of normalcy and joy to their hospital stay. Whether it was a small toy, a chocolate bar, or a note from a student, each detail played a role in creating a brighter day.

Personally, this project was one of the most meaningful things I’ve coordinated as Director of Outreach. From organizing the logistics to seeing it all come together, it showed me the power of collaboration and the impact of consistent, thoughtful community engagement.

Reflections & Looking Ahead

Projects like Boo Baskets remind me why being part of AMA is so special. They combine leadership, creativity, and heart. This initiative showed that marketing isn’t just strategy and metrics; it’s about connection and making a difference.

I’m so grateful to everyone who helped — our AMA members, Dana for the delivery, and Kate and the hospital teams for their support and enthusiasm.

Boo Baskets also set the stage for future outreach projects. As we move into Marketing Week and beyond, I hope we carry this same spirit forward, using marketing to create real, positive impact.

A Simple Call to Action 💌

Feeling inspired? There are easy ways to spread kindness year-round. Both Exeter Hospital and York Hospital welcome small acts of care — cards, care packages, or seasonal decorations. Before sending anything, check each hospital’s website for donation guidelines.

Even one handwritten note can brighten someone’s day. Around holidays or special events, hospitals often receive “mail-in cheer” from schools and community groups — every small effort helps.

You can:

Mail a card or note to a local hospital or senior center
Volunteer with a campus or community service group
Organize a themed donation drive with friends
Simply share kind words with someone who needs them

As Kate from York Hospital shared, these little gestures truly add up — and for someone spending a holiday in a hospital room, they can mean the world.

Closing Thoughts

The Boo Baskets project was a reminder that even in the busiest times of the semester, taking a moment to do something kind can ripple out in incredible ways. This Halloween, our AMA chapter didn’t just celebrate — we connected, we gave back, and we made people smile.

That’s what real outreach is all about. 🎃💜

Coming Soon: AMA Marketing Week Recap ✨

This volunteer project was just one highlight in an incredible semester for our AMA chapter. During Marketing Week, we hosted a series of events focused on creativity, professional development, and community — including panels, workshops, and networking sessions that brought students and industry professionals together.

Stay tuned for our Marketing Week Recap Blog, where we’ll share photos, event highlights, and insights from members about how these experiences have shaped their growth as marketers and leaders.

👉 Read the AMA Marketing Week Recap Here (link coming soon)