Visiting a hardcore haunted house for Halloween fun is often an adult outing, but the Disabled Patriot Fund is making it child's play at its first Halloween Trick or Treat Fun fundraiser.

The family-friendly event will benefit disabled military veterans and help the not-for-profit organization meet a goal to include a family event as one of its three annual fundraisers, said Laura Harris, secretary of the Disabled Patriot Fund.

Harris said board member John Laflamboy, owner of HellsGate Haunted House in Lockport, offered to open the spooky dwelling during daylight hours, so the younger set can enjoy some Halloween spirit without the terror.

“We're going to have lights on because we're gearing it toward the kids,” Harris said. “We do not want it to be scary. We're really excited about it.”

Harris said children accompanied by adults can “trick or treat” at the doors of 13 rooms decorated for Halloween.

But the usual frightening occupants won't be frightening anyone. Instead, volunteers will distribute candy to the youngsters, and adults can get a first-ever look at the inner workings of the haunted house.

A 50/50 raffle, gift basket raffles, food truck, slide, inflatables, face painting and best costume contests for kids and adults will also be part of the day's activities.

The $8 price of admission will support the cause, Harris said.

“It's going to go to the soldiers that apply for help. We're still getting a lot of requests in,” she said.

The Disabled Patriot Fund, founded in 2004 by local business people to help military veterans disabled “while fighting the War on Terrorism,” gives veterans financial assistance provided by donations.

Harris said, on an average, there are three to five requests for assistance per week from veterans, including requests for help paying rent and utilities, getting transportation to Veterans Administration appointments and purchasing food.

“Some (veterans) are totally homeless,” Harris said. “The VA is so behind that (the veterans) are not getting what they should be getting.”

The Disabled Patriot Fund provides financial assistance and education to disabled vets and will introduce them to additional resources where they may get help, but there is still much to be done, she said.

Harris said people can help offset some of the costs of the fundraiser by donating bags of wrapped candy at the gate for trick or treating.

Volunteers are needed to distribute candy, help with traffic control and sell raffle tickets during the event.

Ginger Brashinger is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.