Last year, an estimated 2,500 area kids came out for the second annual Trunk or Treat hosted by NALES – National Alliance for Law Enforcement Support. This year’s event is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18 at Meadowbrook Mall parking lot and a large crowd is again expected.

 

“All the police officers will come decorate their cruisers and the kids will truck or treat for candy,” said Melissa Matheny of NALES.

 

Taking part this year are the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, Bridgeport, Clarksburg, Shinnston, Nutter Fort, Stonewood and Anmoore Police Departments, West Virginia State Police, FBI Police, Marion County Sheriff’s Department and police-affiliates Fraternal Order of Police “FOP” and Blue Knights.

 

Besides the holiday treats, participating children will get to meet local law enforcers in a relaxed, fun setting.

 

“It’s just an opportunity for kids in the community to have a positive experience with law enforcement,” said Matheny, adding that both police and young trick or treaters enjoy the interaction.

 

Organizers have partnered with Meadowbrook Mall and Spirit Halloween to make the event fun for kids attending.

 

“James (Vanscoy) of Spirit Halloween has purchased 2,000 tattoos for the kids and will have a little station set up where they can come get them,” Matheny said.

 

While supplies last, trick or treat bags will be distributed by FOP.

 

Trunk or Treat will be held in the mall parking lot near Garfield’s, in the vicinity where the Spirit Halloween tent was set up before the store moved inside the mall.

 

“Hopefully, that will give us more room to utilize this year,” Matheny said. “We’ll have cones set up. You won’t be able to miss us.”

 

“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 daily.

 

“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.