This year, the event is a Trick or Treat, Touch a Truck, combining the Touch a Truck event the organization did in the past with the annual Halloween festivities. Each child participating will trick or treat at various stations including fire trucks, tow trucks, tractors, and more. A variety of candy, crafts, and pumpkins will be provided thanks to participating vehicles and an anonymous donor.

“I think that the last few years have been hard on so many in so many different ways, especially children. Partners in Kind is fueled by filling the gaps and shining a light into dark situations. There is no better way to do this than to rally together as a community and give our children a unique and safe way to start making happy memories again in this post-pandemic life,” said Partners in Kind founder Melissa Pietrkiewicz.

Tickets are $3 each, and free for children under 2. Funds raised at this event will help Partners in Kind replenish their Reid’s Road Bags, emergency comfort bags exclusively for Chautauqua County families dealt with an unexpected overnight hospital stay. Funds raised will also go towards Remember the Magic, a private holiday party for area children who have experienced a significant or traumatic loss this year. 

“We have an anonymous donor and the support of all our truck participants who have gifted us this opportunity to bring back some normalcy and fun.  I am also really looking forward to hosting Remember the Magic for its fifth year, and re-stocking our Reid’s Road bags at Children’s Hospital. Both of those projects help carry the emotional load people face during trying times with their loved ones,” Pietrkiewicz said.

Community members are shown at last year’s Halloween event at the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds. Submitted Photo.

It is the mission of Partners in Kind to facilitate charitable efforts and promote acts of kindness in the community.

“Our magic is really in our mission statement that we believe in doing the work that puts Chautauqua County back together, and we as a group do that in whatever way we can,” said Pietrkiewicz. “We at Partners in Kind believe everyone has a gift to give; whether it’s time, resources, or connections. These little things add up, and change lives.”

Submitted Photo Fredonia police officer Ben Kravitz is pictured with a guest in attendance at the event last year.