Kathy Perry, adult day services coordinator at Community Care Connections in Connoquenessing Township, hands out candy and treats to Robin Swope, back seat, and Darl Leise during the agency's Trunk or Treat Halloween event Thursday.

CONNOQUENESSING TWP — Social distancing, face masks and gloves didn't get in the way of a good time during Community Care Connections' Trunk or Treat Halloween event Thursday.

What would have normally been a big Halloween party for the children and adults served by the agency became a socially distanced event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, said Brenda Cole, Community Care Connections executive director.

Dressed in scary costumes, agency staff parked their vehicles in the parking lot and handed candy and treats to the people served by the agency, who were driven around the lot.

“This is our way of doing it safely,” Cole said.About two dozen staff and their family members gave treats to about 100 children and adults. The agency serves 700 people of all ages from nine counties. Most of the people who came to Trunk or Treat were from Butler County.“They are having a lot of fun. That's all that matters,” said Kathy Perry, adult day services coordinator, who was dressed as a witch and passing out candy.“It's amazing and I love the candy,” said Julianya Smail who was sitting on the sunroof of an SUV with her sister, Karolyne, while their mother, Kathryn Smail, drove with Debra Halderman in the front seat.Julianya said she was going to share the candy she received with her friend, whose birthday was Thursday.“I think this is something great they are doing for our community,” Kathryn said.She said the event helped bring a sense of normalcy to those served by the agency.“They're making it work,” Kathryn said.Community Care Connections operates nine programs for infants, children and adults with developmental delays or disabilities. The agency also operates nine community homes.“We've had people come from all of our programs,” Cole said.She said the event marks the first time the staff has been together since the pandemic began in March. Employees have been working remotely and meeting online, but are gradually returning to face-to-face work.“This agency has worked really hard to mitigate the virus and we've done a great job. This is a great way for us to give back to the staff and people we serve in a safe way,” Cole said.

Julianya Smail, left, and her sister Karolyne Smail get some treats from Becky and Mike Werner during the Community Care Connections' Trunk or Treat Halloween event Thursday. The girls were being driven by their mother Kathryn Smail and Debra Halderman. Becky Werner is the director of early intervention progams at Community Care Connections.