Every October, as Amarillo’s first cold winds begin to roll across the plains, families start planning Halloween costumes, candy routes, and cozy nights in. But for many in the community, this season brings something more meaningful than pumpkins and pillowcases of sweets — it brings a renewed reminder of compassion, thanks to one man’s unwavering commitment to helping others.
For a decade, local restaurateur and community advocate Tremaine Brown, owner of Shi Lee’s BBQ and Soul Food, has made sure Halloween in Amarillo means more than candy. Through his nonprofit, the Vessel of Humanity and Compassion, Brown will again host the 10th Annual Trunk or Treat and Coat Giveaway at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Bones Hooks Park.
What started as a small neighborhood event has grown into one of the city’s most beloved grassroots traditions — a gathering where generosity, warmth, and togetherness take center stage.
From Candy to Compassion: A Decade of Growth
When Brown first organized the event ten years ago, the idea was simple — bring local families together for a safe, fun trunk-or-treat experience. Cars would line up with decorated trunks, volunteers would hand out candy, and kids would leave with full bags and big smiles.
But as Brown and his team spent more time in the community, they began to see a deeper need.
“About five years ago, we wanted to do something that went beyond candy,” Brown said. “That’s when we started handing out brand-new winter coats to every child who came through. Since then, we’ve been able to help thousands of kids leave not just with treats, but with warmth and a sense of dignity.”
That shift — from candy to coats — transformed the event’s mission. What began as a simple holiday festivity became a lifeline for families facing the bitter Panhandle winters. In Amarillo, where temperatures can dip below freezing for weeks at a time, a good coat isn’t just a comfort — it’s a necessity.
And for many children, this event ensures they’ll have one.
Building Trust, One Year at a Time
The heartbeat of Brown’s efforts isn’t just about distributing coats — it’s about consistency. He believes that real community change doesn’t happen overnight; it’s built year after year through steady presence and reliability.
“Consistency is key,” Brown said. “I’ve seen kids grow up coming to these events. Some were 10 or 12 years old when we started — now they’re parents bringing their own little ones. That means a lot to me because it shows they trust what we’re doing.”
That trust didn’t appear out of nowhere. It’s been earned through a decade of showing up, through holidays, school seasons, and beyond. The Vessel of Humanity and Compassion doesn’t stop with Halloween — it also hosts Easter celebrations, back-to-school drives, and other community outreach events throughout the year.
“It’s not just about the coats or the candy,” Brown said. “It’s about showing up for people year after year. When families see familiar faces and know they can count on us, it builds confidence — especially for parents who are struggling. They know they’re not alone.”
That idea — that showing up consistently builds hope — sits at the core of Brown’s work. For many families, that reliability creates more than warm memories; it creates trust in a system that often feels distant or impersonal.
More Than Just a Giveaway
This year’s Trunk or Treat won’t just feature candy and coats. It will also include local businesses, churches, and nonprofits handing out resources, offering information, and connecting families with valuable services.
Families can expect tables offering flu shots, health information, and other community resources, ensuring that the event serves not just as a fun afternoon, but as a hub for connection and support.
It’s a model that shows how collaboration strengthens communities. By inviting local organizations to participate, Brown has turned a single event into a citywide effort — one where civic groups, small businesses, and volunteers come together for a shared purpose.
That’s the power of local leadership rooted in empathy: one person’s vision can ripple outward, bringing others into the fold.
Coats, Costumes, and Community Spirit
Leading up to the event, Brown and his team are working to make sure every child feels included — starting with Halloween costumes.
On the Sunday and Monday before the event, free Halloween costumes will be distributed at Bones Hooks Park. Families can check Brown’s Facebook page and other social media platforms for exact times. The goal is simple: make sure no child misses out on the magic of Halloween because of financial barriers.
He estimates that between 500 and 1,500 costumes are available, ranging from baby sizes to adult outfits. The wide selection — donated by individuals and local groups — means kids can pick something that sparks their imagination.
“We just want every kid who wants to come to have a costume — there’s no reason for any child to feel left out,” Brown said. “Halloween should be about joy and imagination, not worry.”
This kind of thoughtfulness is what makes the event special. It’s not just about giving; it’s about making sure every child feels seen and valued. Whether it’s a princess costume or a superhero mask, those little moments of inclusion matter — especially for children navigating tough times.
A Coat That Means Confidence
Still, the heart of the event remains the coat giveaway. The mission is clear: every child leaves with warmth.
Brown and his volunteers will hand out brand-new coats, hoodies, hats, gloves, and socks — all donated by community members and businesses throughout the month of October. Donations are being accepted at Shi Lee’s BBQ and Soul Food, located at 1213 SW 3rd Ave.
“If your child doesn’t need a coat, be a blessing to one who does,” Brown said. “Pick up a pair of gloves or a hoodie and drop it off. A small gesture can make a huge difference for a kid waiting for the school bus in 10-degree weather.”
It’s a simple truth, delivered plainly: small acts of kindness add up. A coat might seem like a small thing to someone who has one — but for a child who doesn’t, it’s life-changing. It’s warmth. It’s security. It’s dignity.
And that’s exactly what Brown wants this event to stand for.
“When kids come out here and see the community coming together for them, it sends a message,” Brown said. “It tells them they matter. It tells them that even if times are tough, this city cares about them and their future. That’s the real impact we want to make.”
The Power of Partnership
One reason this event has endured for ten years is the power of partnerships. Every trunk decorated, every coat donated, every smile handed out by a volunteer represents someone choosing to invest in Amarillo’s children.
Churches, small businesses, civic organizations, and families have all played their part. Whether it’s through financial contributions, donated goods, or time spent setting up and cleaning up, each participant helps sustain this tradition.
Brown welcomes anyone who wants to get involved.
“We want to be a constant presence in people’s lives,” he said. “It’s about helping families, building trust, and creating leaders who’ll give back one day. That’s what Vessel of Humanity and Compassion is all about.”
This invitation — open and inclusive — reflects the very spirit of the event. Compassion isn’t a closed circle; it’s a growing network of people who care enough to take action.
More Than an Event — A Legacy in the Making
After a decade, Shi Lee’s Trunk or Treat has become something far bigger than its founder might have imagined. It’s not just a Halloween tradition — it’s a symbol of what steady, compassionate leadership looks like in a city that values community.
Brown has built more than a nonprofit; he’s built a movement rooted in human decency. It’s a reminder that generosity doesn’t require a big budget — just big hearts and a willingness to act.
And in a world where so much can feel divided or disconnected, that kind of grounded, common-sense compassion is powerful. It’s the kind of leadership that inspires others to step up in their own ways — to see need, and respond to it.
How to Get Involved
For those who want to take part, there are several ways to help:
Donate new coats and winter gear: Drop off new coats, hoodies, hats, gloves, and socks at Shi Lee’s BBQ & Soul Food, 1213 SW 3rd Ave, anytime during October.
Donate candy: Help keep the trunks full and the kids smiling.
Volunteer: Churches, civic groups, and local businesses can set up trunks, hand out treats, or provide information about community services.
Spread the word: Share event details on social media, through your church bulletin, or at work — awareness can make all the difference.
Even one small act — a single coat, a single bag of candy — helps continue a legacy that’s touched thousands of lives.
The Spirit of Amarillo
At its core, Shi Lee’s Trunk or Treat and Coat Giveaway represents the very best of Amarillo: neighbors looking out for neighbors, small businesses giving back, and communities coming together to make sure no child is left out in the cold — literally or figuratively.
It’s easy to think of Halloween as a lighthearted holiday, a night of costumes and candy. But for Brown and his team, it’s also a chance to model something deeper — the kind of compassion that keeps communities strong through every season.
This October, as the cars line up and children wander from trunk to trunk in Bones Hooks Park, the candy won’t be the only thing sweet in the air. The warmth of giving — of people coming together to lift one another — will be there too.
And that’s something worth celebrating every year.
Event Details
What: Shi Lee’s 10th Annual Trunk or Treat and Coat Giveaway
When: 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
Where: Bones Hooks Park, Amarillo
What to Expect: Free coats, costumes, candy, and community resources
Donations Accepted: New coats, hoodies, hats, gloves, and candy at Shi Lee’s BBQ & Soul Food, 1213 SW 3rd Ave
Final Thoughts
In an age where so many community needs go unmet, what Tremaine Brown has built is a reminder that meaningful change starts small — one event, one coat, one child at a time.
The success of Shi Lee’s Trunk or Treat isn’t about spectacle; it’s about sustainability. It’s about building traditions rooted in care and showing up for people in ways that matter. When neighbors look out for one another, real progress happens — quietly, consistently, and compassionately.
As Brown says, “When families see familiar faces and know they can count on us, it builds confidence. They know they’re not alone.”
