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'Teal Pumpkin Project' Makes Halloween Safe And Fun For Kids With Allergies

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A true blue trend has been catching on this Halloween season -- color coded pumpkins.

As CBS2's Jessica Layton reported, the teal colored pumpkins that you see while out trick-or-treating are meant to keep kids safe.

Teaching a 2-year-old not to make a mess when he's painting is a little bit of a challenge, and getting that same toddler to understand why you're turning an orange pumpkin teal is even harder.

CBS2's Layton's son CJ already knows he's allergic to peanuts and most tree nuts. This is the first Halloween he'll be looking for teal pumpkins when he's out trick-or-treating. It's a symbol that there's safe treats for kids with allergies.

The project is bringing peace of mind to countless local families.

"Halloween was tough. We kind of avoided it," Nina Reams said.

Reams and her family have been taking part in the Teal Pumpkin Project since it started three years ago to allow kids with allergies to enjoy the door-to-door fun.

"Peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame," Samantha Reams, 6, said.

Samantha plans to be a superhero for Halloween. Both she and her mom will enjoy it more because more people are aware that the nuts in so many common Halloween candies can be dangerous to a lot of little ones.

"It means a lot to our family. Samantha can trick or treat with all the other kids and feel included," Nina said.

CJ missed a few spots of paint on his pumpkin -- call it a work in progress, much like the mission to keep educating about these allergies.

Whether you put a teal pumpkin on your doorstep or not, families like CBS2's Layton's simply ask for a little compassion and understanding about food allergies -- it goes a long way.

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