Trick or Treat for Christmas?

This Halloween, local businesses and organizations are pulling together to not only give children a safe place to go trick-or-treating, but also to give countless other children a better Christmas.

Halloween Hollow invades Raven Hall on the Alaska State Fairgrounds from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Halloween, with local businesses and organizations setting up "storefronts" where children can go trick-or-treating in a safe environment, and take part in fun activities.

Admission to the event is one new, unwrapped toy per child. All children must be accompanied by an adult, making it a family-friendly atmosphere.

The toys will be used for the Special Santa program, in conjunction with the Toys for Tots program, making it the earliest toy drive the organization has ever had.

"We are really excited about it, because it should be fun and it gives us a good jump on Christmas," said Mari Jo Parks, who facilitates the Special Santa program, in conjunction with Toys for Tots.

The idea for Halloween Hollow was born more than a year ago, through a discussion about Special Santa.

"Margie Gabrielle and Shawn Osbourne of MTA actually came up with the idea while we were talking about some ideas for the Special Santa program last year," Parks said. "But then things just didn't work out, and we didn't get to do it. Then I talked to some people from my team, and they said they wanted to try it, if Margie and Shawn didn't mind. They've been great about helping us get sponsors and organize the event."

There are a number of activities planned. Each business participating in the Halloween Hollow -- hopefully, around 30, Parks said -- is setting up a booth with a different activity for children. MTA, for example, is doing Polaroid pictures of trick-or-treaters, and Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union is doing money in a haystack. Each business will also be passing out treats to children from their "storefront" inside Raven Hall.

Each child will get 25 tickets to spend at the booths, Parks said.

The event is good for the community for a number of reasons, Parks said.

"In Alaska, it is so cold and the weather is cruddy, so taking it inside in a safe environment is a great idea," Parks said. "Lots of schools used to do Halloween things, but they have gotten away from that and are now doing harvest celebrations."

The main sponsors of the event are MTA, MVFCU, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Frontiersman, Subway, KMBQ and Finding Your Future.

"The businesses have been so helpful," Parks said.

Parks is confident the event will be a success.

"Our goal is to do it every year," Parks said. "We're geared more toward younger children, but who knows how big it will be in the future."

Each year, Parks and her team of volunteers organize the Special Santa program. Last year, she teamed up with the Toys for Tots program to bring Christmas to hundreds of children who may not have had presents under the tree otherwise.

In 2001, Parks estimated the two programs, working together, were able to provide toys for 1,200 children. In 2000, that number was 650.

School groups, businesses and community organizations often donate toys or money to the programs. Parks is always looking for gift certificates to include in the gifts.

Working hard on events like Halloween Hollow and other toy-raising functions is all part of the job for Parks. Her reward, she said, comes on Christmas, when the children open up the donated presents under their tree.

"The looks on the parents' faces makes it worth it to me, knowing how we helped them have a good Christmas," Parks said last year while distributing the toys. "It's a great feeling knowing how many children will have a good Christmas because of the generosity of the community."

Halloween safety tips for parents

Safety is a big concern for parents of children going trick-or-treating. Here are a few safety tips, both for trick-or-treating and about costumes, to make sure Halloween is as safe as possible.

It is always a good idea to accompany your child trick-or-treating. National statistics have shown that an average of one out of four children are involved in some type of accident on Halloween -- from minor things like a fall to major things like choking. Adult supervision is very important.

SAFE TRICK AND TREATING

Walk on sidewalks; not in the street.

Look both ways before crossing the street.

Cross the street only at corners.

Don't hide or cross the street between parked cars.

Plan your route and share it with your family. If possible, have an adult go with you.

Visit homes that have the porch light on.

Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger's house.

Be cautious of animals and strangers.

Throw out anything that appears tampered with, homemade foods, or home-packaged foods unless you are certain of the source.

Inspect fruit closely and take away treats that may not be age-appropriate. Young children may choke on things like hard candy or peanuts.

COSTUME SAFETY

Costumes should not have trailing material or tails long enough to cause falls.

Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover your eyes.

Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing so you are more visible.

Carry a flashlight to light your way.

Keep away from open fires and candles.

Pointed objects such as swords and devils' forks should be made of soft material.

If your child wears a mask instead of make-up on their face, double check that the eye holes are large enough to see through clearly.

Children should wear sturdy shoes and temperature appropriate clothing underneath their costumes.