The Ventura County Sheriff’s department plans to host the first ever drive-thru trick or treating event. Due to the Public Health recommendation, there will be no door to door trick or treating in Ventura County this year.

This drive-thru event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and will be held in two locations. The two locations hosting the events are Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association located at 981 S. Victoria, Ventura, CA 93003; and the Thousand Oaks Police Department located at 2101 E. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.

The event is partnering local law enforcement with the Unity Sparks Change project. This project is founded by Ventura County community member Mike Wing. The project supports the overall safety and unification of the community. Unity Sparks Change project hosts many events, including the drive-thru trick treating, that help the community especially during these uncertain times.

Wing explained, “Unity to Spark Change is an organization geared towards driving community unity. That includes all entities including non-profits, local businesses and individual community members. We have had an outpouring from our community wanting to get involved to dedicate time and resources.”

The Unity to Spark Change project wanted to give back to the community. In partnership with the local law enforcement and Ventura County, Wing sponsored the drive-thru trick or treating event.

According to Wing, “Our goals are to embrace our community during a pandemic, while keeping everyone safe. This Halloween won’t be the same, but we wanted the community, especially our youth, to have something to look forward to. Showing law enforcement and community members can come together in a divided time is important. Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces is our only goal.”

The drive-thru trick or treating will be completely COVID-19 friendly and free of charge to the public. Everyone is welcome and candy will be passed out until all is gone.

To remain socially distanced, all guests will be asked to stay in their cars as their bags of candy are being handed out. The volunteers will also be taking safety protocols that pertain to the social distancing regulations.

“Everyone will be wearing masks and gloves at all times. We take public safety as our top priority. We’ve even limited how many people that can volunteer. We love the community support but community safety comes first. Unfortunately that means we had to turn down some volunteers,” said Wing.

Due to the mandated COVID-19 rules, there will be no other activities involved in this event. The volunteers will only be passing out bags of candy to those who stay in their cars. The number of volunteers is limited, but all volunteers will be conscious and socially distanced.

Wing claimed, “With the current times, passing out candy is the safest choice. I would like to put together activities, but we will not risk our community in the process. We will have off duty officers, community members, non-profits, local business owners and other first responders volunteering their time. It’s a community effort.”