EPHRATA — The Ephrata Police Department is asking for candy donations for their Halloween Trunk or Treat event. Last year the event was funded by a Walmart grant, however, there have been some challenges getting the grant again this year.

However, this year there have been updates to the grant process for Walmart. Jennifer Hansen, the office manager at EPD said there have been some communications issues and a lot of back and forth. EPD is still trying to get the grant. This grant is also what funds “Shop with a Cop” where children can shop with a police officer and buy presents for their family for Christmas. 

“So, there's just been some miscommunications, I'll say it is that we need to provide for them to verify our agency so that we can apply for the grant. Yeah, just been a lot of back and forth in communication, and we still haven't come to a resolution,” Hansen said.  

Although EPD does not have grant funding, they want to be able to hand out candy on Halloween.

Hansen said candy was donated from six different people and one business, Zerorez Carpet and Air Duct Cleaning of Central Washington, donated a full box of candy. EPD currently has two boxes of candy.

“Last year, the Department spent a couple hundred dollars on candy and ran out within like ten minutes,” Hansen said. “So, we just want to be able to hold our own for the entirety of the event.” 

Hansen said EPD will take candy donations if they are individually packaged. Donations can be dropped off in the EPD lobby Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.