Bakersfield clinic uses Halloween event to share local resources

Hundreds of people gathered in southwest Bakersfield on Sunday for a free trunk-or-treat event. The line of visitors wound around the parking lot of Clinica Sierra Vista, marking an early start to the Halloween season.

The event was free for all attendees. Jamie Lujan, a grandmother, brought her family to the gathering. She said the cost-free format allowed them to enjoy the holiday without worrying about expenses. "It's most definitely a help out when you get to bring the whole family and not worry about what the amount is or if we're going to be able to stay," Lujan said.

Volunteers decorated car trunks and filled them with candy. Children and adults wore creative costumes for the afternoon. The setting provided a festive atmosphere for the crowd.

Community organizations used the gathering to connect residents with local resources. Hannah Weightman from the Community Action Partnership of Kern participated in the event. She decorated her trunk with a Hocus Pocus theme. Weightman said the event provided a direct channel to inform residents about available services. "I love being able to communicate with the community and show them that what services we have available because a lot of people they don't know what services are available to them," Weightman said.

Clinica Sierra Vista is currently celebrating its 55th anniversary. The organization hosted the event to support families facing financial pressure. CEO Dr. Olga Meave stated the clinic viewed the occasion as an opportunity to give back. "I think you know the situation is not easy for anybody so when we have an opportunity to provide something free for the community. We take it," Meave said.