Upshur FRN, city police, schools team up for drive-thru trunk-or-treat Oct. 28

Monica Zalaznik
October 22, 2021

BUCKHANNON – The Buckhannon Police Department, Upshur County Family Resource Network and Upshur County Schools have partnered to offer a drive-thru Trunk or Treat Oct. 28 at Buckhannon-Upshur High School.

This week, Lori Harvey Ulderich, executive director of the Upshur County Family Resource Network, said they are still accepting businesses or organizations that want to participate.

The event will take place from 6-8 p.m.

“We wanted to make sure we could get the event organized for the kids and we just feel like this is the safest way possible to do it as a drive-thru,” Harvey said. “We would still love to see the kids and even the parents dress up. We’ll still be able to see them, and everybody will follow all the safety protocols for COVID-19; all the participants at the trunks will be wearing masks.”

Businesses interested in operating a ‘trunk’ can contact the FRN at 304-473-1051.

“The FRN is also trying to purchase new books for the kids, and we’re asking people to donate so we can purchase the books we’re looking for, make sure we purchase the right number, and make sure they’re all new books,” Harvey said. “You can donate by using our PayPal at bufrn20@gmail.com, dropping donations off at the Stockert Youth Center, or mailing a check to: Upshur FRN, Box 2115, Buckhannon, WV 26201.”

Buckhannon Police Chief Matt Gregory said they decided to partner with the FRN because they were unable to offer their usual Trunk or Treat in the parking lot of the Public Safety Complex building.

“It was out of an abundance of caution,” Gregory said. “This is something that we discussed last year when we cancelled the last trunk-or-treat because of concerns with the ongoing pandemic and at that time, we wanted to look at safe alternatives,” Gregory said. “Discussions continued this year and we continued to monitor things this year and it was decided that we would continue with the drive-thru event.”

Gregory said he was grateful Harvey and the FRN took the reins on the event and asked them to participate.

“Lori and the FRN really stepped up and wanted to organize this, so we appreciated that and agreed to participate,” Gregory said. “She got the other organizations involved and locked in an appropriate venue because we didn’t think our parking lot was big enough for a drive-through event.”

Gregory also encouraged families to stay safe this Halloween.

“I’ve always told kids at our Halloween safety programs a number of different tips: carry a flashlight, a light source, a glow stick or reflective tape on your clothing – anything that can help you be seen,” Gregory said. “Stay in well-lit areas, walk on sidewalks, and of course, we talked about roadway safety. If they have to cross the road, look both ways and cross with an adult as you trick-or-treat, and also don’t eat anything unless you have a responsible adult check it first.