Instead of children going door to door to collect candy on Halloween, a safe alternative is a Trunk or Treat. During these events, children in costume are able to travel from vehicle to vehicle in a parking lot to collect candy and other treats from car and truck owners who decorate their trunks in various themes.

Locally, St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 5 Brooke Manor, Birdsboro, will hold its annual Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. The event will also include a Blessing of the Animals by pastor Jim Farnsworth. Both children and pets are encouraged to attend dressed in costume.

In addition to collecting candy, all in attendance will be served free hot dogs, drinks and snacks. Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Among those who will have a decorated trunk on Oct. 26 will be church member Sally Sassaman, event coordinator. In addition to handing out candy, she will offer an activity similar to an Easter egg hunt using small pumpkins instead. "They come to my trunk, and in the yard behind me, we hide little pumpkins for the kids to pick up. If they get a specially marked pumpkin, they get a little prize," she explained.

Sassaman noted that about 250 people attended last year's Trunk or Treat event at St. Mark's, and she encourages local residents to decorate their vehicles for the event. "I like to have at least 15 trunks; more trunks are welcome," she said, adding, "A lot of people do little games (at) their trunks. The pastor will do the pet blessing at his trunk."

Sassaman noted that not only is a Trunk or Treat intended to be safer for children, but it also allows people who live in rural areas to participate in giving out candy. "I don't get kids (because of where I live), and I love Halloween," she said.

The event will be held rain or shine. In the case of rain, activities will be moved inside to the church's fellowship hall. Setup for vehicle owners will be from 3 to 4 p.m. Those who would like to reserve a space for the Trunk or Treat should contact the church office at 610-582-8167 by Thursday, Oct. 24.

Other local groups have also planned Trunk or Treat events.

The Honey Brook Elementary Center Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) will present a Trunk or Treat at the Honey Brook Elementary Center, 1530 W. Walnut Road, Honey Brook, on Friday, Oct. 25, from 6 to 7 p.m. Those with questions may email longenecker.lauren@gmail.com.

St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 548 Old Swede Road, Douglassville, will hold its second annual Trick-Or-Treat event on Oct. 26 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/stpaulsdouglassvillepa and choose "Upcoming Events."

Boone Area Library, 129 N. Mill St., Birdsboro, will offer a Halloween Haunt program on Oct. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. Similar to a Trunk or Treat, children will be able to trick-or-treat through the library. There will also be activities and a photo booth. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/boonearealibrary or call the library at 610-582-5666.

Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines, 1710 Ridge Road (Route 23), Pottstown, will hold a Trick-or-Treat event on Saturday, Nov. 2, from noon to 2 p.m. In addition to collecting candy, attendees will be able to spend time visiting with the rescued and retired horses that live at the farm. The site's gift shop will also be open. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. For more information, call 610-469-0533 or visit http://www.facebook.com/ryerss.farm.