Attention all neighborhoods: On August 5, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., neighborhoods throughout Charles County are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for National Night Out. Sheriff Rex Coffey, the women and men of the CCSO, McGruff the Crime Dog and McGruff’s nephew Scruff, will join residents to celebrate the community’s alliance against crime, drugs and violence.
Many neighborhoods will host block parties with food, games, a CCSO-sponsored coloring contest and other activities while others will light their porch lights to demonstrate their support for NNO. “National Night Out is an opportunity for people to come out of their homes to meet their neighbors and interact with officers. The goal is to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for local anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and send a message to criminals, letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting against crime,” said Sheriff Rex Coffey.
For 19 years in a row, the National Association of Town Watch has recognized Charles County’s participation by awarding the agency its category II award for community participation. In 2013 Charles County had 156 neighborhoods participate in National Night Out. Many local and national businesses contribute to help make the night more special. This year, the CCSO has received donations from Meredith Management LLC., Wal-Mart, American Legion Post 82, and Toyota Scion of Waldorf. SMECO contributes yearly to the fund the children’s coloring contest.
To find out if your neighborhood is participating, to register your neighborhood to participate, or to make a donation to NNO, contact Community Organizer Connie Gray at 303-932-3080.