National Night Out in The Woodlands unites neighbors against crime

THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS – Residents plan to join together against crime and drugs during National Night Out on Sunday, October 8, 2017, from 3 to 5 p.m. Residents are asked to lock their doors, go outside and gather with their neighbors for an evening of camaraderie and community. By participating in National Night Out, neighborhoods can accomplish one of the first steps in crime prevention: “neighbor knowing neighbor.”

National Night Out offers many opportunities for neighborhood camaraderie, including a theme party contest, sidewalk chalk art competition, food drive in partnership with Interfaith of The Woodlands, I.D. the Burglar village challenge and the National Night Out Military Drive.

National Night Out Parties

Hosting a National Night Out party is a great way to bring neighbors together. To register a National Night Out party, please fill out the registration form at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/nationalnightout. A National Night Out promotional video, party guide and list of frequently asked questions are available on the website.

National Night Out Packet Pick Up Day

The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch can provide National Night Out party supplies during the National Night Out Packet Pick Up Day. Available supplies may include balloons, giveaways, yard signs, party ideas and more. Pick up supplies on September 26, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at The Woodlands Township Town Hall, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Pre-registration is required.

Food Drive in partnership with Interfaith of The Woodlands

Nonperishable food items collected at National Night Out parties can be dropped off directly at Interfaith, 4242 Interfaith Way, October 9 to 13, 2017, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please mention National Night Out when giving donations to Interfaith. Together, residents can help to alleviate hunger in South Montgomery County.

I.D. the Burglar Village Challenge

The I.D. the Burglar Village Challenge is a fun contest designed to promote neighborhood cooperation and crime prevention awareness, in addition to testing a person’s skill and accuracy in identifying a suspect. One party from each village will be drawn from the parties registered to participate in the challenge. A “burglar,” along with a “good guy” will be escorted by a Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office deputy to the party chosen from each village. The neighborhood must work together as a team to help identify the burglar.

National Night Out Military Drive

Support the military by collecting items at National Night Out neighborhood parties. A full list of items needed is available in the party guide at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/nationalnightout. Items collected will be donated to Operation Military Embrace. Donated items will be collected at The Woodlands Township Town Hall, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., October 9 to 13, 2017, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition to neighborhood parties, the Township residents can meet each other and learn about safety at National Night Out Car Seat Check and the Community Safety Expo.

Community Safety Expo

The Woodlands Township invites residents to learn more about safety while honoring the first responders of Hurricane Harvey at the Community Safety Expo: A Hometown Salute to Harvey Heroes & Volunteers. Residents can thank first responders of Hurricane Harvey, meet public safety personnel, see equipment, tour mobile command units of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security, watch law enforcement K-9 demonstrations and more at this free event. Children can enjoy face painting, a bounce house, crafts and hanging out with McGruff the Crime Dog. The Community Safety Expo will be held September 23, 2017, from noon to 3 p.m. at Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive.

Since 1990, The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch has brought residents and the public safety agencies that serve The Woodlands Township together under positive circumstances. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer.

For more information about National Night Out, please contact The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch at 281-210-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/nationalnightout.

Photo: By participating in National Night Out, neighborhoods can accomplish one of the first steps in crime prevention: “neighbor knowing neighbor.”

Source: The Woodlands Township