More than 180 children and family members recently descended on the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex (KJCC) to attend a popular employee-sponsored trunk or treat event that gives spouses and children an opportunity to visit the facility.

The event, sponsored by KJCC’s employee benefit committee, has grown through the years to include clowns who twist balloons into colorful animals and funny hats, a picture booth, a petting zoo, face painting, carnival games, a cakewalk and food.

“Our employees dedicate so much of their time working with offenders that it's nice to give them time with their own children - even if it's a short moment,” said Tobey Bissell, a KJCC staff member who serves as the employee committee’s president.  “It's rewarding to know they didn't miss out on building those memories.”

While the trick or treaters get an up-close look at the facility, the event is restricted to the facility’s administration area and front parking lot. Only on-duty KJCC employees are allowed on the facility’s secure side. 

The employee committee pays for the event with money raised from bake sales, chili feeds, breakfast sales, ball tournaments and employees paying to dress down on casual days.

“The event has always been a huge success and something our staff look forward to,” Bissell said.

Made up of volunteers, the employee benefit committee works to promote morale and create a desirable working environment for employees. Throughout the year, the committee also sends out cards or flowers to staff who are dealing with a death in the family or an illness as well as for celebratory moments such as the birth of a child or a wedding.

However, the success of KJCC’s family events has the committee examining adding more family events to the calendar, Bissell said.

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