Auburn neighborhoods are organizing get-togethers to observe National Night Out on Aug. 3.
The national program, now in its 27th year, is a unique crime and drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. From 6-10 p.m. on Aug. 3, residents in neighborhoods throughout Auburn and across the nation are asked to lock their doors, turn on the outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police.
Many neighborhoods will be hosting a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, visits from police and city government, youth activities and anticrime rallies.
Neighborhoods are encouraged to be a part of Auburn’s Night Out 2010 team. So far, 16 events have been registered through the City of Auburn, according to Duanna Richards, Neighborhood Programs Manager. Once registered, the city will look to assign a police officer or dignitary to meet with the group.
For registered events, a T-shirt for the event coordinator, helium filled balloons and other items will be available.
“It’s an important program as we push for more block watches in our city,” Richards said. “(Through the program) neighborhoods become safer and better connected. They become our helpers, the eyes and ears.”
To register your neighborhood event go to the City’s Web site at www.auburnwa.gov and click on the National Night Out button under the Spotlight Section on the home page. To inquire about further details, please contact the Community Services Division at 253-931-3041 or e-mail Richards at drichards@auburnwa.gov. The registration deadline is Friday, July 30.
National Night Out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored locally by the City of Auburn.
About National Night Out
National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
NNO has proven to be an effective, inexpensive and enjoyable program to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in our fight for a safer nation. Plus, the benefits your community will derive from NNO will most certainly extend well beyond the one night.
NNO 2009 involved over 36 million people in 14,625 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide. National Night Out 2010 is expected to be the largest ever. Once again this year, Target is a national corporate sponsor.
For more information, visit www.nationalnightout.org/nno/index.html.
