All treats, no tricks

Around the nation, the young and the young at heart will celebrate Halloween with their costumes and tradition of scouting the neighborhood for treats. On the East End of Charleston, the ladies of YWCA's Shanklin Center celebrated the occasion with a party and their favorite pasttime, Bingo.

It may seem like a small thing. But to these older women who have suffered great tragedies and abuse -- often at the hands of loved ones -- it's a big deal. It's a real treat to celebrate a holiday with friends and know you're safe from the frightening experiences that once plagued your life.

These wonderful women enjoy holiday celebrations and daily visits with friends in the small community -- the YWCA Shanklin Center. Here, they live out their lives with peace and in dignity with the freedom to enjoy friendships and holidays. So for all the Shanklin women and any women who has known real fear in life -- not from haunted houses or imaginary ghosts -- we at the YWCA salute you and wish you a Happy Halloween.