Halloween came early this year when nearly 100 children and their teachers from Orange Children and Parents Together (OCPT) joined employees and OCTA CEO Darrell Johnson on Oct. 29 for OCTA’s annual Halloween Carnival. The event kicks off a fundraising campaign for United Way, as well as a food drive for Families Forward.
It was all part of OCTA’s annual tradition of giving back to the community as the holiday season approaches. For the past several years, OCTA has partnered with United Way to provide a safe, fun Halloween experience for children and collect donations for the Orange County United Way.
OCPT, a United Way organization, serves at-risk preschool children ages 0 to 5 years old who are low-income, English Language Learners, living in foster care, classified as homeless, struggling with special needs, and at risk for chronic illness such as diabetes and asthma.
Employees also donated to another United Way organization, Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAPOC), which gives bus tickets to people to help them get to work, doctor’s appointments, school, interviews, and more. OCTA employee donations will be used for this purpose.
With nearly 30 costumed employees serving as helpers, the children enjoyed 15 games and attractions including Transit Police Services, Halloween Movie Bus, face painting and balloon animals.
