Luzerne County Children, Youth and Families holds Halfway to Halloween Trunk or Treat

WILKES-BARRE—The staff at Luzerne County Children, Youth and Families observe National Child Abuse Prevention Month in various ways throughout April, but perhaps none match the combined energy and educational value of their Halfway to Halloween Trunk or Treat, which was held for the second time on Saturday afternoon.

Held in late April — about six months from Oct. 31 — the event brought out a number of organizations from the area, all of whom distributed treats to the flocking children and service information to their parents.

“It’s about a little bit more than just the candy at this event,” said Luzerne County Council Chair John Lombardo. “Every one of these trunks, or most of them, have information related to the organization that set the trunk up.”

It’s critical information to be distributed, considering the tragic impact and consequences that sprout from child abuse. Lombardo was at the trunk or treat to support the cause and the families in attendance.

“I thought this was a great idea to bring the Children & Youth families out and show them that they’re appreciated, and just something kind of unique and different to do for them,” Lombardo said. “And I always enjoy a halfway to Christmas — halfway to whatever — type of event, so this was definitely something I wanted to do.”

Katrina Gownley, administrator at Luzerne County Children, Youth and Families, helped to distribute macaroni and cheese and hot dogs to the crowd, which she said had been steady throughout the afternoon. She was able to tell this year was a little bit bigger than last year because the first tray of hot dogs went quick.

It’s a positive, upward trend Gownley hopes to see continue as the event moves forward.

“Each year, we hope to improve,” Gownley said. “This year, we added a DJ, which is a lot of fun for the kids and the staff and the providers out there dancing.”

The event also exemplified the giving spirit of those who help Gownley operate Luzerne County Children, Youth and Families each and every day.

“It’s a family affair. A lot of my staff is here, which, it’s their day off, so it just shows their dedication,” Gownley explained. “A lot of us brought our children to help, so it’s a fun day.”

Jillian Thomas, a deputy director at Luzerne County Children, Youth and Families, spearheaded the event, which she said is good for the organization’s image and brings awareness to child abuse.

“It’s just kind of fun to do something in a different time of year and you’re not competing with all the other trunk or treats,” Thomas said.

The trunk or treat is truly for the children of the area, and Thomas had her young son and daughter, Xavier and Abigail, working with her throughout the day.

“I like to deliver the popcorn and make the popcorn,” Xavier said, describing his principal duties.

But just because the duo was working doesn’t mean there wasn’t time to sneak in a few sweet treats.

“I like chocolate,” Abigail said of her candy preferences.

Xavier, on the other hand, couldn’t wait for his media debut to end.

“We’re going to look for Airheads,” he explained, before heading off to check out the goodies being generously distributed nearby.