Massapequa High School's SADD and Yorkers Clubs will be holding the 10th Annual Safe Halloween Program on Sunday Oct. 31, from 2-5 p.m.

The Safe Halloween Program is an opportunity for children from the community, under the age of 11, who are in full costume attire and accompanied by a parent or adult guardian, to trick or treat throughout the Halloween spirited halls of the high school. According to SADD advisor Richard Westley, who started the program, this event was begun 10 years ago so children in the Massapequa community could trick or treat in a safe environment and parents did not have to worry about where the treats are coming from or that their children are out on the roads at night, or are going to strange houses.

Although trick or treating is a major aspect of the Safe Halloween program, children also have the opportunity to enjoy a gigantic sinking Titanic slide which is over 33 feet high and 53 feet long, a large dragon (Tyrone the T-Rex), and a haunted spaceship maze. The halls of the high school will be decorated for the trick or treating and the Titanic, dragon and spaceship will be on the front lawn.

This program has grown every year, according to Westley. "The Safe Halloween Program is the largest program of its kind in Nassau County." Westley went on to note that this is the largest program run in the school throughout the year. "It's fun, enjoyable and a great place for them to take pictures and it gets the kids off the streets," said Westley.

Since Massapequa High School started this program other schools across the country have begun running similar events. Massapequa's program has been featured on television and has been recognized by the National SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) organization.

Last year, over 5,000 young children participated in the event and Westley expects to see even more this year. Although there is no charge for children to participate in this program, the program costs approximately $10,000 to run. It is funded partially by SADD events such as candy sales, but also depends on donations from the community. This year the program was helped a great deal by a donation of over $5,000 from Birch Lane Elementary School. The PTA and other community members have also helped with this year's event.

This year between 350 and 400 high students have volunteered to assist in this program, doing everything from decorating the haunted halls to running the various activities. Westley noted that because thousands of younger children from the public, private and parochial schools in the community attend this event, the high school volunteers are essential to the success of this program.

Westley concluded, "Even though everything is free, the more donations we get, we can use those donations to carry on the other activities for SADD's prevent destructive decisions programs, so we do appreciate any donations people give."