On October 29th, 2012 Superstorm Sandy carved a path along the northeast coastline leaving a path a destruction and homeless residents in its wake. The storm also derailed Halloween for children through out much of the state because trick-or-treating was considered too dangerous in debris-littered communities still under a State of Emergency.

However, in Southern Ocean County, Pinelands Regional High School saved Halloween for hundreds of children in Tuckerton and Little Egg Harbor with the start of its first annual "Trunk or Treat" on its athletic fields. Julie Bonette, Account Associate at Laura Bishop Communications, said the trunk's of vehicles were decked-out with Halloween decor and costume-clad children went trunk to trunk to collect candy but it also served as part food-drive.

"At that time, they were asking people to donate, I think it was in addition to candy, they asked people donate canned goods and that kind of thing, because people needed food," said Bonette.

According to their press release, last year's "Trunk or Treat" drew over 2,000 children and their families and that's a conservative estimate, Bonette added.

On Saturday, November 1st, Pinelands Regional High School is hosting its 3rd Annual "Trunk or Treat". Bonette explains why they continue to host the event over two years after Sandy.

"Well, just because it's a fun way to keep the community involved in the school and it's also like a safe alternative to trick or treating because obviously all the school administration will be there but police will be there as well. They're going to be providing some candy as well as some lighting."

High school students will also be handing out hot beverages, there will be a DJ and prize giveaways for best costumes and trunk decor.

"Trunk or Treat" takes place at Pineland's Regional High School Athletic Fields, 565 Nugentown Road, Little Egg Harbor Township, 08087 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

They're asking each participating family to bring a bag of Candy. Businesses and community partners interested in making a monetary donation or providing candy can contact Joanne Sofield, jsofield@prsdnj.org, or Sarah Ervin, servin@prsdnj.org. Anyone interested in decorating a trunk and handing out candy, is also asked to contact Ms. Sofield or Ms. Erivin.

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