WESTAMPTON – Children with special needs will once again have a safe and family-friendly place to celebrate Halloween.
The Burlington County Special Services School District, the Board of County Commissioners and the Burlington County Sheriff’s Department are partnering to bring back the annual Trunk-or-Treat for special needs children.
“Trunk-or-Treat has become one of our County’s favorite events and traditions and we’re thrilled to participate again and make this the best one yet,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Dan O’Connell. “We’re encouraging any family with a special needs child to come out and enjoy the holiday together with our own Burlington County family.”
State Senator Dawn Marie Addiego applauded the event’s return following the one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Family-friendly events like this ensure that every child has the opportunity to enjoy the spooky fun of Halloween, so I’m thrilled to see Trunk-or-Treat return,” Senator Addiego said. “It’s close community partnerships like this one between the County Commissioners, Special Services School District, the Sheriff’s Department and local first responders that helps make Burlington County special and I’m proud to support them.”
The free event offers children a safe holiday celebration where they can dress in costume and visit decorated cars and emergency vehicles to receive toys, candy and other allergy-friendly goodies. There will also be music, games and holiday crafts for sale.
The fun begins at noon on Oct. 30 in the parking lot of the Special Services School District’s Westampton Campus, 20 Pioneer Boulevard. The event will end at 2 PM.
“Burlington County Special Services School District administration and staff are proud to work alongside the County and Sheriff’s Department to bring the Trunk-or-Treat back to our community once again this year,” said Dr. Christopher Nagy, Superintendent of Schools, Burlington County Special Services School District and Burlington County Institute of Technology. “After putting the Trunk-or-Treat on hold last year due to the pandemic, we understand the importance of providing this valuable, interactive opportunity for socialization outside and an occasion to create family quality time. This community event supports our district-wide focus on social-emotional wellbeing for this school year.”
“Halloween is a favorite holiday for children and adults alike, but we know it can be overwhelming for some people, particularly children with special needs,” said Sheriff Anthony Basantis. “Events like this one are important because they allow these kids and their families to experience all the fun associated with the holiday in a safe space. It’s trick or treating but with familiar teachers and school administrators, county departments, law enforcement and first responders rather than visiting the doorsteps of strangers.”
This year will mark the third Trunk-or-Treat event organized by the County Commissioners, Special Services School District, and Sheriff’s Department. The Burlington County Prosecutor's Office, Burlington County Department of Human Services and the Burlington County Department of Public Safety also plan to participate, along with staff from the County’s Legal Department.
For more information, call 609-265-5600, ext. 6401 or email avalasek@burlcoschools.org
Photos: Commissioner Deputy Director Dan O’Connell (top photo) and Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson (bottom photo) visited with trunk-or-treaters during the 2019 Trunk-or-Treat event at the Burlington County Special Services School District’s Westampton Campus. This year’s event will be held on Oct. 30 at from noon to 2 PM.