EATON — Preble County Board of Development Disabilities (DD) held the 10th annual Track-N-Treat event on Tuesday, Oct. 23. The event was held at the A.S.K. Playground, which is Preble County’s only handicap accessible playground.
The walking path made it easy for kids to navigate as they “trick-or-treated” for candy.
According to DD Outreach Coordinator Amanda Kopf, the event continues to grow yearly with the help of the community, providing every kid in the county an opportunity to trick-or-treat safely.
“This event started because we wanted to offer a handicap accessible space for little ones with wheel chairs or other devices, to come Trick-or-Treat without the worry of steps, curbs, etc. Plus the playground is accessible for those who have special needs. It makes it the perfect place to host the event,” Kopf said. “When the event first started, it was only for children who had a disability. Over the years we have opened it up to the community in order to support community integration. We love supporting our individuals while encouraging them to be an active part of the community.”
“We like the fact that the event is during daylight hours, it is accessible for kids who need it, it encourages community integration, and it’s a lot of fun,” Kopf added. “The event doesn’t cost the Board of DD a single penny. All the candy and decorations are donated.”
“Events like this are key to community integration,” she said. “The days where individuals with disabilities are kept in workshops or separated from their community are over. It’s all about inclusion. Over and over we hear from our individuals that they just want to be treated like everyone else. That’s why we have this event and why it’s open to the community. Our goal is always to support their goals and dreams so they can live the life they want to live.”
The Preble County Board of DD was excited to partner with the Nazarene Church, the Preble County District Library, and the Butler County ESC again for the second year.
Preble County Board of DD would also like to offer a special thank you to Safari Junction for the petting zoo, Miley Construction for offering wagon rides, and to Star Wars Ohio Garrison, 501st Legion for a special appearance.
Organizers would also like to thank the Eaton Police Department, the Preble County Sheriff’s Office, and the Eaton Fire Department for coming out to support the event as well. The event would not have been possible without Paramount Advantage, Lawn Plus, National Trail FFA, Preble Shawnee FFA, Preble County JFS, L&M Products, Enjoy Life Foods, and many other individuals who donated all the candy.
