WASHINGTON (October 31, 2012)--After three straight years of passing out goodies to area students and military children in the White House driveway, President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, broke their Halloween tradition this year because of superstorm Sandy, which hammered the East Coast.

Hundreds of treat bags containing White House M&Ms, an orange-frosted, pumpkin-shaped sugar cookie, jelly beans and some dried fruit were be delivered to the White House Military Office and to school districts in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia that would have participated in the celebration.

Pumpkins used to decorate the White House will be donated to area shelters.

Earlier Wednesday New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie issued an executive order postponing Halloween until Monday because of the effects of the storm.

Christie joined the president Wednesday to inspect damage from the massive storm.

Afterward Mr. Obama told those affected by the devastation, "We are here for you, and we will not forget."

Mr. Obama says the federal government is "here for the long haul."

Christie, a supporter of Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, said he "can't thank the president enough" for his concern and compassion during the storm.