Allergy friendly trick or treat organized
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PARKERSBURG - A Parkersburg woman whose daughter has a severe allergy to nuts has organized a trick or treat that is safe for other kids with the same issues.
The allergy was discovered about two years ago when Katie Secreto's daughter, Baylee, now 4, came into contact with food containing nuts. She went into anaphylactic shock.
Last year was the first year Baylee went trick or treating on Halloween, Secreto said. All Baylee could do was look at the candy, according to Secreto.
"She had all this candy, but couldn't eat any of it," she said.
That's where the idea for the allergy-friendly trick or treat came, Secreto said.
The event will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at the parking lot of Mother Earth Foods on 19th Street in Parkersburg. About 20 people will participate and give candy to kids that is allergy friendly and other non-food items, Secreto said.
"Mother Earth has a lot of allergy-friendly candy," she said. "That's why we're having it over there."
Secreto also is the community captain for the FARE Teal Pumpkin Project, an initiative encouraging Halloween trick or treat using allergy-friendly candy.
The pumpkin that is the color teal signifies the candy available there is allergy friendly, Secreto said. Some places have artificial pumpkins and Jack-o-lanterns that are teal, she said.
"But honestly, most people get a pumpkin and paint them teal," Secreto said.
Among allergy-friendly candies are Yum Earth, Dums Dums, Tootsie Rolls and Tootsie Pops, Smarties, Dots or most plain potato chips and pretzels, Secreto said.
An alternative to candy that is allergy friendly are novelties like stickers, spider rings and other inexpensive toys, like those available at the Dollar Tree, she said.
The aim is for all children to enjoy Halloween and trick and treat, Secreto said. About 1 in 13 children have a food allergy, she said.
The Oct. 23 event is free and open to everyone. The event will include a performance by the MOV Thrillers, free face painting and hair tinseling, and free kids crafts and hema tattoos.
Sponsors are Island Time Oasis, Ataraxis Hair Salon, Mother Earth Foods, Debbie Douglas real estate agent, Birth to 3 and River Valley Properties.
"I want every child to feel included during such a magical time of the year," Secreto said. "This event is so special to us, that my husband (Felix, an art teacher) even drew our flyer."