For many years, we have found an alternative to traditional trick-or-treating outside in the dark. We prefer to step into the light and so our Halloween celebration began with Hallelujah Harvest at Shepherd of the Hills in Porter Ranch. The event was held in the Sanctuary, throughout the church, and outside with bouncers and slides. The trick-or-treating was free while carnival games were available for a small ticket cost.

The biggest prize being offered during the evening was a Game Cube for anyone who could throw a football through the Impossible Shot. It seemed impossible, but many people came close to landing the shot. Other games included the ring toss, pumpkin darts, pop the balloons, go fish, bean bag toss, basketball throw, football toss, and knock down the bottles. Every child and parent was smiling because this event was pure fun! It was warm and family friendly.

Our next stop was at the Halloween house on Saticoy to check out the plane debris. It was nice to see the pumpkin placed atop the largest piece of the plane. This house won our personal favorite award and their candy was yummy, too!

The final official stop of the evening took us to the 10th Annual Halloween Alternative at West Valley Christian Church in West Hills, where the carnival games were free! Businesses and individuals donated money and items so the Harvest Festival could be offered to the entire community.

The silent auction items at West Valley Christian Church were impressive and included many autographs from sports celebrities. The Halloween Alternative also offered different games in Bible Town, Sports Town, Toon Town, and Tot Town. Again, everyone was joyous to be part of the uplifting scene!

To close out our fun evening before homework, we visited a few homes in the neighborhood and were greeted by so many smiling faces and lots of candy. We were reminded that there are many nice people in the West Valley. Thanks to everyone who helped other families with a safe and happy Halloween!

At the end of our evening, the kids split their candy.

Half of the candy was given to a nice woman, Juanita Alcala. She is a cashier who has worked at Wendy's on Platt Avenue in West Hills for several years. She shares her smile with everyone and for her smile, we are grateful! Happy Halloween Juanita!

For more information on Shepherd of the Hills in Porter Ranch link to http://www.theshepherd.org/.

Westside Shepherd of the Hills recently held its kick-off. For more information link to http://www.mywestsidechurch.com/.

For more information on West Valley Christian Church in West Hills link to http://www.wvcch.org/.