1,500 attended Halloween event
On Oct. 30, approximately 1,500 "ghost and goblins" of all ages and from all over Yuma County attended Yuma County Adult Probation's 14th annual Halloween crime prevention event which took place at Carver Park in Yuma.
In addition to the traditional trick or treat bags stuffed with candy, trinkets and safety tips, the children could also participate in children's games provided by the participating agencies and wander through the two haunted houses and take a whack at a piñata.
The haunted houses were the work of probation officers Veronica Vincent, Jose Lopez and Paul Castro, as well as Lorranie Castro from the Yuma County Health Department and other local professionals who helped.
The piñata was masterminded by probation officer Jaime Ibarra. The piñata would not have been possible without the generous donation from Elvia Santana, owner of Edith's Candy Shop in Somerton.
In addition to all the festivities held here in Yuma, on three separate days, Adult Probation staff members Kim Howell, Jim Hanson, Dennis Sevier and Matt Meade traveled to Dateland and Roll (twice) to insure that the children who could not travel to Carver Park would not miss out on the festivities.
The purpose of this annual event is to promote safety within our community while providing everyone with useful information and the opportunity to meet their public servants face to face. During a time when tax dollars are a concern, it should be noted that Adult Probation as well as several of the other participating agencies did not use any public funds for these activities.
Months before the target date, Adult Probation staff either donated bags of candy or reached into their pockets to donate money so that this event was a success. In addition, donations were solicited from local businesses who stepped up to the plate without hesitation.
Stuffing candy and trinkets into the bags usually takes numerous APO staff several hours to complete. This year, this task was accomplished by the West Alumni Group. Staff at the Juvenile Justice Center conducted raffles and raised funds to help bring this event for the 14th consecutive year to the citizens of Yuma County.
A great big Yuma County thank you goes out to the following: Dr. Daniel Ortiz and his wife Rosalba, 4th Avenue Jr. High Principal Jose Cazarez and his wife Aurora, Psychologist Assistant Erika Luera, Westmoor Electric, Edith's Candy Shop, the Yuma Sun, Yuma County Board of Supervisors, Yuma County Human Resources, Juvenile Justice Center, Yuma County Health Department, Yuma County Attorney's Office Victim's Services and the Yuma County Library District.
Also, the Yuma County Department of Developmental Services, Yuma County Anti-Drug Coalition (not an affiliate of Yuma County government), United States Homeland Security – US Border Patrol, U.S. Customs, City of Yuma Fire Department, City of Yuma Police Department, Arizona Department of Public Safety, California Highway Patrol , PPEP Inc., Yuma Private Industry Council, Safe House, Amberly's Place, Cross Roads Mission, The Living Center, Horizon Mental Health, Cenpatico Behavioral Health Services, West Alumni Group, Adult Probation's Community Restitution Crew and to all the great staff from Yuma County Adult Probation.
FRANK J. SILVA
Yuma County Adult Probation
