Sheriff’s office invites residents to National Night Out

On Aug. 2, from 6-10 p.m., neighborhoods throughout Charles County are invited to team up with thousands of communities across the country for the 33rd Annual National Night Out (NNO). Sheriff Troy Berry (D) and members of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office will join residents to celebrate the community’s alliance against crime, drugs and violence. Representatives from Charles County Crime Solvers, Explorers Post No. 1658 and even McGruff the Crime Dog and McGruff’s nephew Scruff will be on hand to meet residents.

The National Association of Town Watch (NATW) launched National Night Out 33 years ago. According to the website, NATW. org, “National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. It furthermore provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together.”

Neighborhoods across Charles County will host block parties with food, games, music and other activities. Many residents will light their porch lights to demonstrate their support for NNO.

The CCSO is also holding its annual coloring contest for children ages 4-12 in participating neighborhoods. Neighborhood representatives will be provided with the coloring pages after their neighborhoods are registered for National Night Out. The coloring pages can then be distributed to the children in their particular communities. The artwork is due by Aug. 29 and can be turned in to any CCSO district station or to the Community Services office located on Audie Lane in La Plata. The pages will be judged, and two winners will be selected from several age groups.

The winners will be notified by mail, and awards will be presented in October.

Last year, 158 neighborhoods in Charles County participated in National Night Out.

To find out if a neighborhood is participating, to register a neighborhood to participate, or to make a donation to NNO, contact Community Organizer Connie Gray at 301-932-3080.