Noise and giggles filled the Yuba College Child Development Center on Friday, October 29, as 32 children were bundled up and their costumes adjusted in preparation for one of the most exciting times of the year. On the last weekday before the much anticipated Halloween holiday, the children of the Marysville Campus daycare center made a curious sight as they paraded around asking for tricks or treats.
In her recently attained position as Site Supervisor, Marilyn DeBoard headed the Parade Walk with the help of daycare personnel and parent volunteers. “The reason for the trick-or-treating is so that the kids can see the campus, staff and have a fun time,” said DeBoard, motioning to the happy kids gathered around. “Even those kids that don’t attend daycare everyday can still get a chance to see the other costumes and get dressed up.”
Beginning their journey promptly at 10 a.m., the children ages 3 to 5, clutched plastic bags and pails and headed for their first door where they were greeted warmly by the faculty.
Giggling excitedly, the children finished making their rounds in the child development buildings, then made their way to the Yuba College Police Department where an out-of-uniform Police Chief Wilkinson served up chocolate eyeballs and other treats for the children.
Once in the library, all eyes focused on the children as they stood patiently in line awaiting their treats. With promises of more treats to come, the parade of Cleopatra, Batman, Shrek and others continued.
“Whoa!” the children exclaimed as the entered the noisy and crowded cafeteria for what was probably the first time. Looking around at the multitude of students gathered at the tables, they received warm and curious glances in return. In the Administration Buildings, employees donned creative costumes of their own as they dropped everything from lollipops to Twinkies with gooey green filling into the sacks of the eager children.
Many candy-filled bags dragged on the ground as the children neared one of their final destinations, the bookstore, where they had a chance to sit and relax. Here, the children were allowed one treat from their bags. “They’re allowed to have the candy, said a smiling DeBoard, glancing at concerned parents. “Don’t try and stop them because they are going to do it anyways.” By that time, half of the kids were already rummaging through their bags to find the tastiest goody.
As they sat and ate, the children listened intently to DeBoard as she read them “The Story of Halloween.” When DeBoard finished the story, she received the immediate approval of a young boy sitting in front of her. “I liked that,” said Tony, clad head to toe in red motocross attire. He continued to nod his head contentedly as he focused intently on tearing open a package of M&M’s.
“We get ’em all sugared up and then send ’em home,” said a smiling Jovita Torres, Text Manager of the Yuba College Bookstore.
“The kids got enough candy to where they probably won’t have to go on Sunday,” said Dajai Gentle, parent volunteer.
Bagged lunches courtesy of the food services personnel were distributed to the ravenous kids seated in a quiet area of the cafeteria. Not having satiated their appetite for sugar, some of the kids set aside their sandwich, carrot sticks and raisins and reached for none other than the yummy chocolate cupcake wrapped in plastic wrap.
The Child Development Center is located on the East Side of Campus next to the Police Station and is open to the public.
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