Kids Enjoy Safe Halloween Event

What is this? An event where people volunteer to show up with car trunks stocked full of candy and children need only make the rounds without approaching strange households.

The event took place at the Salvation Army headquarters in Plainfield and featured free food, face painting and games in addition to the opportunity to fill bags with treats.

Pumpkins and cat whiskers were among the favorite face painting themes.

This little one cried at the face painting but later showed his pride.

The Scotch Plains-Fanwood DECA club helped out with activities such as a beanbag toss for prizes. See the red beanbag? That's a winner!

Some participants sported costumes as they welcomed children to choose treats from the trunks.

Salavtion Army Lieutenant Henry Thibault shakes hands with a green-masked donor whose trunk featured a fluttering ghost.

The Renegade Riders (Correction: Rugged Renegades motorcycle club) of Plainfield took part in the event aimed at giving children a safe and happy Halloween. Lt. Thibault estimated the crowd at 350 people, with 35 or more participants opening their trunks full of treats. Individual volunteers from across Union County and Central Jersey also welcomed the children.

--Bernice Paglia