This coming August 4, Naperville will celebrate its 20th annual National Night Out. This nationwide event is designed to heighten drug prevention and crime awareness, generate support and participation in local anti-crime efforts and strengthen neighborhood spirit. In 2014 more than 35 Naperville neighborhoods participated!
Today, people are busier than ever and no one seems to really know their neighbor(s). National Night Out, however, is a terrific opportunity for residents to come together, meet new neighbors and reconnect with old ones. Cohesive neighborhoods are one significant key to preventing crime and violence. It’s important for all of us to come together for the shared goal of a safe and healthy community.
Did I mention when you register your National Night Out event with the City, members from the Naperville Police, Fire, Public Works, Animal Control, Electric and Water Utility departments along with the Naperville Park District Police will visit many of the registered events? How fun would it be to have all your neighbors together, have a block party or ice cream social and then have members from some of Naperville’s finest departments stop by! Neighborhood events can be big or small. There is no wrong way to participate in National Night Out.
This year the City of Naperville has partnered with The Power of Choice a collaborative project led by 360 Youth Services to focus on drug awareness and prevention. The Power of Choice is a primary substance abuse prevention program focused on growing the number of youth who make healthy choices about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. 360 Youth Services provides life changing services through prevention education, counseling and shelter.
Donations are needed to sustain these programs. We are encouraging National Night Out neighborhoods to have a donation drive at their event to help support this cause.
We are also excited to have the local sponsorship of Aurelio’s Pizza and TCBY Frozen Yogurt. Participating neighborhoods will have an opportunity to win Aurelio’s pizza or TCBY frozen yogurt!
For more information on Naperville’s 20th Annual National Night Out or help with planning an event please visit the City’s web site at www.naperville.il.us Please register by July 20, 2015.
Until next month… Stay aware and stay safe.
