Trick-or-treat alternatives planned around Central Oregon

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- While many children won't be going from door-to-door this year, due to COVID-19 guidelines, there are some alternative events offering candy and other goodies and fun.

Around Central Oregon, we've seen several groups coming together to make the most out of the holiday.

At Bend-Redmond Habitat For Humanity's Bend ReStore on Thurston Avenue in Bend, parents and kids can attend a trick-or-treat drive-thru this Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.

Robin Cooper Engle, development director with the organization, spoke Monday with NewsChannel 21.

"It's been a hard year, and we just really want to still have fun, but do it appropriately," she said.

At the event, children will be given goodie bags at a first-come, first-serve basis. As for safety protocols, Cooper said, "We will be wearing masks. Some of us will be wearing costumes."

Cooper asked all to practice safety when attending: "Please wear a mask."

Down at the Moose Lodge on South Highway 97 in Bend, Michelle Mayo and other volunteers are getting ready for a trunk-or-treating event.

"It's Halloween -- this is time for dentist bills," Mayo joked.

The event will go from 3-5 p.m., where children will be able to walk from car to car, getting goodies.

"We really want the kids right now to have a place to go," Mayor said.

Again, they say safety has been made a top priority.

Not only have volunteers who will bring their cars been told to wear masks and gloves, but those getting the event ready as well.

"This Wednesday, we will be putting trick or treat bags together and again we will be putting masks and gloves on for that and again we want to be as safe as we can", Mayo said.