Herndon, Va. – October 29, 2026 – For the third consecutive year, Northwest Federal Credit Union (Northwest) and the Washington Commanders transformed Northwest Stadium into a special trick-or-treating destination for 600 students from schools in the D.C. region. Many of these students do not have access to a traditional neighborhood Halloween, and the event gave them a safe, festive celebration they might otherwise have missed.

Students ran down the stadium halls through 30+ decorated suites, each transformed into a themed Halloween stop by Northwest, the Commanders, and local partner organizations. Along the way, they were welcomed by staff and volunteers in each suite who stuffed their bags with candy. Many students recorded the whole experience as they met Commanders guard Sam Cosmi, several Washington Legends, Major Tuddy, and the Command Force.

The anticipation leading up to the event was high. Zach Beebe, Assistant Principal at Forest Grove Elementary, shared that one student broke down crying after learning that he would be able to participate. Watching Commanders games was a special way he bonded with his dad and now, he would get to visit the team’s home stadium in person and tell his dad all about it.

“For them to have something that they see on the weekend that doesn’t feel real to them at times because it is on TV, and then to be able to come here, there was a lot of excitement that comes with that and giving them a break from their routine,” said Beebe. “Some kids even have issues with daily transportation so for them to be able to have transportation provided to come out here and have a safe trick-or-treat experience that is paid for, it is all just a positive for the kids and the community. We are so grateful for the opportunity.”

For many of the children, the event provided an opportunity to celebrate the season in a welcoming setting designed just for them. Numerous students shared that they were surprised and touched that people cared enough to come and give them candy.

“Today was my main chance to trick-or-treat and I just feel happy and grateful,” said John A., 6^th grader at Gholson Middle School. “I am going to go home and tell my family how 30 companies came to give us a happy memory and how it was a great experience.”

Northwest initiated this event as part of its partnership as the Official Credit Union of the Commanders, and it has grown into a tradition for those who take part each year. This year’s groups came from Gholson Elementary and Middle School in Landover, Maryland, as well as Forest Grove Elementary in Sterling, Virginia.

“Each year we have this event, I am always impacted by the joy and the reactions the kids have to all the decorations and candy since many of them don’t have a safe space to trick-or-treat in their own neighborhoods,” said Jeff Bentley, President & CEO at Northwest Federal Credit Union. “But I also walk away impressed by the amazing collaboration of everyone who helps with the event and how we get to change that narrative for the children. We get to be their neighborhood and be a part of bringing them such a memorable holiday experience.”

By the end of the afternoon, hundreds of students left with their bags full of candy, favorite memories from the themed suites, and stories to tell about how the community came together to help them celebrate Halloween at Northwest Stadium.

 

About Northwest Federal Credit Union

Northwest Federal Credit Union (Northwest) is a leading financial institution dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of banking and financial services to its more than 280,000 members in Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. and beyond. Established in 1947 with a focus on personalized customer service and trust, Northwest offers a variety of products, including savings and checking accounts, loans, mortgages, and investment options. As a member-owned, non-profit organization, Northwest not only strives to enhance the financial well-being of its members nationwide but is also integrally involved with supporting the local community through various outreach initiatives and strategic partnerships. Northwest is the Official Credit Union of the Washington Commanders and naming rights sponsor for the team’s Northwest Stadium. For more information about Northwest Federal Credit Union, visit nwfcu.org. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender.