by Alex Lloyd Gross
The custom of going door to door asking for candy is slowing down. Some areas get zero children. Others still get plenty. In fact, adults will drive their children to more populated areas for the sole purpose of trick or treating, Houses are closer, Less walking and more children to trick or treat with. Meanwhile, their neighborhood gets very little activity.
Some areas eschew door to door quests for candy, opting for a parking lot where people give out candy from their cars. This is the safer option, as Trunk Or Treats are sponsored by a business or a politician. Recently, in Lawncrest, Philadelphia City Councilman Anthony Bellmon hosted an event in the parking lot of a daycare center on Rising Sun Avenue.
The police were there, giving out candy and safety tips. Children want candy, not pieces of paper, but the fact is that this event, just like many like it are controlled. When the candy runs out, it’s gone. Trick or treating is random and there is more of an opportunity for something to go sideways.
Every Halloween, there are reports across the country of hold ups or bigger kids stealing candy from youngsters. At times, these incidents prove deadly or someone winds up in the hospital hurt.
Some people have a limited supply of candy. when it’s gone, they turn their porch lights off and it’s done. Parents who allow their kids to go door to door should realize some candy supplies at houses are limited only to kids in the immediate neighborhood. Smaller children should always have an adult with them.
If your area has little to no activity, see what housing developments are close by. That street is probably populated with people that do not have a lot of kids. Chances are your little one will come back with a bag of goodies.