Eager trick-or-treaters are being offered a jump start to Halloween. Sponsored by the National Alliance for Law Enforcement Support (NALES), a first-time county-wide Trunk or Treat will be held 6-8 p.m. today at the Meadowbrook Mall parking lot.

 

Several law enforcement departments will be on hand with treats for participating children. Scheduled to participate are Bridgeport, Clarksburg, Anmoore, Lumberport, Shinnston and Stonewood units, as well as West Virginia State Police, FBI and the Blue Knights.

 

“Some are decorating their vehicles and we will decorate the rest,” said Organizer Melissa Matheny of NALES, which will also have a vehicle decorated for the occasion.

 

Several area businesses have also gotten on board with the event, donating candy for participating units to distribute to trunk-or-treaters.

 

The event will also feature a costume contest with prizes, bounce house, magician, face painting, a K9 unit and free hot chocolate. But perhaps the most important part, Matheny said, is the opportunity to get to know members of area law enforcement agencies.

 

“The mission of NALES is to provide support for law enforcement families in need and to be a positive voice for law enforcement in our community,” said Matheny about the organization formerly known as Wives Behind the Badge. “We wanted to provide an opportunity for kids to have a positive interaction with law enforcement and make it fun.”

 

In an age when superheroes are so popular among the younger generation, it’s important to make sure children know real-life heroes who protect them on a daily basis.

 

“These officers are our everyday heroes and with all the negative media attention, we wanted to remind the kids in our community that police officers are good people who want to help and protect them,” Matheny said. “So we figured this would be a fun, relaxed environment to do that. And it’s a chance for our organization and all of our law enforcement agencies to come together and give back.”

 

The event will take place near the Spirit Halloween tent at the Meadowbrook Mall parking lot.