Looking for a great night to get to know your neighbors? August 5 is National Night Out, “America’s Night Out Against Crime.”
When Shamokin, Pennsylvania made international headlines as “The town so broke that city hall’s gas was cut off,” long-time resident Joan D. made it a point to encourage her neighbors. She participates in activities like the National Night Out as well as her neighborhood Pregnancy Care Center, community watches and holiday parades. The local police department takes charge of Shamokin’s National Night Out, which usually features a live band, food venders and information booths for local organizations and officials. Last year, the Pregnancy Care Center stayed open late and had a “walk in” client as a result of the information given out at their booth. “We praise God for every opportunity to save a life!” said Joan.
Joan’s decision and determination to get to know her neighbors, her neighborhood businesses and her neighborhood churches is fostering new unity in Shamokin. You can help start a National Night Out in your community!
The National Night Out began in 1984 to promote crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie. National Night Out now involves over 37.8 million people and 16,124 communities from all fifty states, U.S. Territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.
From the National Night Out website: “The traditional ‘lights on’ campaign and symbolic front porch vigils turned into a celebration across America with various events and activities including, but not limited to, block parties, cookouts, parades, visits from emergency personnel, rallies and marches, exhibits, youth events, safety demonstrations and seminars, in effort to heighten awareness and enhance community relations.”
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