The Trunk-Or-Treat trend has grown over the years as an alternative means for kids to trick or treat in a safe environment. American Veterans First (AVF) decided to give it a whirl this year and hosted their very first Trunk or Treat in the parking lot in front of their headquarters on Oakdale Road this past Friday, Oct. 28, which officials noted was a roaring success.

AVF Executive Secretary Paige McLaughlin, AVF Board Member and Museum Director Gloria Robertson, Director of Veterans Outreach and Board Member Shirley Serato, Pam Gutierrez, and Karen Knox Director of Volunteers organized the event.

“It was really set up nice,” stated AVF CEO Duke Cooper. “There were 250 kids out there. The parking lot was full. We went through 20 pizzas for the kids, we had games, and goodies. We gave out every bit of candy we had. A roaring success.”

AVF headquarters was decorated and everyone dressed up to greet the kids. They offered everyone food, games, and lots of candy. The event began at 5:30 p.m. and wrapped up about 7:30 p.m.; the festivities drew kids from 3 years old on up that were dressed up.

Cooper expressed that a standout moment for him was when a youngster approached him and asked if he was a veteran. Cooper said yes and the youth saluted him; Cooper expressed that it was the best Halloween he had ever had.

Guests enjoyed corn hole, a bottle knock down game, and face painting. There were about 10 vehicles that were decorated and passed out candy. California Valley Patriots won best decorated vehicle with their decked-out truck and trailer. Lou Connley with California Valley Patriots received over $50 worth of Funworks passes.

“We had kids smiling and getting their face painted, going car to car, and coming inside,” added Cooper. “It was a blast. We had a great year and as a 501(c)(3) we need to make money but we don’t need to do it every time. Sometimes we just need to give back. This is one of our givebacks. We will do it again.”