Hundreds line up at Bakersfield clinic for free Halloween treats

Hundreds of people gathered in southwest Bakersfield on Sunday to get a jump on the holiday season.

The crowd formed a line that wound around the parking lot of Clinica Sierra Vista, the organization hosting the free Trunk-or-Treat event.

Volunteers decorated vehicle trunks with seasonal themes and filled them with candy for attendees.

Grandmother Jamie Lujan said the no-cost admission was the main reason she brought her family.

“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 or if they’re gonna want something that we can’t get them,” Lujan said.

Local groups used the gathering to connect residents with available services.

Hannah Weightman of the Community Action Partnership of Kern decorated her trunk with a Hocus Pocus theme.

She said the event allowed her to explain what help is available to neighbors who might not know where to look.

“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 celebrating its 55th anniversary this year.

CEO Dr. Olga Meave said the clinic chose to offer the event because many families are facing financial pressure right now.

“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.