By Rodney Lane, NJEA consultant
The Lakewood Education Association hosted approximately 950 children and their family members at an annual Trunk or Treat event. Trunk or Treat events are an alternative to traditional trick or treating.
“The Lakewood Education Association started hosting Trunk or Treats a few years ago in individual schools. Last year it was moved to a central location for the entire district,” said Yasmin Gonzalez, PEP chairperson for the Lakewood Education Association (LEA). This year was the biggest event to date and was held in the parking area of the Lakewood BlueClaws baseball facility.
“We are very excited because we have partnered with the police to make it even safer. We want to thank the BlueClaws and Lakewood Twp. for allowing us to have it here,” said Kimberlee Shaw, president of the LEA.
In addition to the many association members who volunteered, some of the community partners included: Lakewood Fire Department, Lakewood EMS, Georgian Court University, Taco Bell, the Ocean County Library, Chick-Fil-A and Buster (the mascot from the Jersey Shore Blue Claws).
The children and some adults dressed in elaborate costumes as they traveled to the various trunks to collect their treats. Cats, dogs, ghosts, and skeletons were all represented in the large gathering of community members. Smiles were in abundance and the environment was fun, festive and most of all, safe.
The weather was beautiful, the joy was plentiful, and the family atmosphere was electric. Taylor Saunders was one of the hundreds of parents who attended the event with her son Xavier. Saunders said, “It is a nice environment for the kids with music, candy and lots of people.”