Trunk Or Treat Returns To Burlington County Oct. 30

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — 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.

It takes place from noon to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of the Special Services School District’s Westampton Campus, 20 Pioneer Boulevard, county officials announced on Friday.

“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,” Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Dan O’Connell said. “We’re encouraging any family with a special needs child to come out and enjoy the holiday together with our own Burlington County family.”

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.It returns after a one-year absence in 2020 due to the coronavirus 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,” State Senator Dawn Marie Addiego (D-8) 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.”

“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,” Burlington County Special Services School District and Burlington County Institute of Technology Superintendent of Schools Christopher Nagy said. “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.”

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, the 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.

“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,” Burlington County Sheriff Anthony Basantis said. “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.”

For more information, call 609-265-5600, ext. 6401, or email avalasek@burlcoschools.org.