Youngsters will have a safe place to gather Halloween candy during a Trunk or Treat event set for Friday, Oct. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Gap Fire Company, 802 Pequea Ave., Gap. The first-time event is being presented by WordUP Community Ministries and Aligned for Life Chiropractic.

During the event, children will be able to visit each decorated car to collect candy. Costumes are encouraged. Dogs on leashes will also be welcome, and some cars may even have treats for them.

"We have about 13 cars; we would like to see 20 (cars)," said pastor Buck Mowday. "There is no fee, but they have to supply the candy."

Volunteers interested in decorating their cars and handing out candy may text 717-824-2627 to reserve a spot.

Inside the fire company, participants will be able to gather additional candy from representatives of local businesses and nonprofit organizations. "(Businesses and organizations) can have a table and present their products," explained Mowday, noting that there will be no registration fee. "I don't want to be just in the community. I want to be part of the community and give back to the community. WordUP will pay the fees for the businesses and organizations. All you have to do is bring candy."

Among the groups already registered to participate are Wreaths Across America and the Gap Town Clock Lions Club. Dr. Sekora Wallace-Henderson, owner of Aligned for Life Chiropractic, will have a decorated car, as well as a table set up inside the fire hall.

The idea to sponsor the Trunk or Treat as a partnership came from Mowday's daughter, Courtney Mealey, who works at the chiropractic practice. The children's outreach is part of WordUP Community Kids, which, according to its mission statement, is designed to "teach the Gospel and the love of Christ to all children so that they will serve, worship and obey Him."

The D&Bz food truck will be on-site beginning at 5:30 p.m., allowing attendees to purchase dinner and beverages. Only cash will be accepted for food sales. "People that come early to decorate their cars can grab a bite to eat," Mowday pointed out.

WordUP Ministries, a nondenominational church, is located at 160 Route 41, Gap, in the Dutchland Inc. building. The Sunday service is held in person at 10:45 a.m. and is also livestreamed at http://www.facebook.com/WordUPCommunityMinistries. The Sunday WordUP cafe, offering coffee and snacks, precedes the service at 10 a.m. For more information, visit http://www.wordupcommunityministries.org.