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SWAC members discuss National Night Out
(by Dedra Cordle, staff writer - July 21, 2011)
On Aug. 2, the nationwide event, National Night Out, will take place on the grounds of Finland Elementary School.
The mission for this celebration is to show criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back against drugs, alcohol, and violence.
National Night Out, which is in its 28th year, is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. Locally, it is organized by the Westbrook and Eastfield Neighborhood Association.
Juanita Kaufman, president of the Westbrook and Eastfield Neighborhood Association, said all are welcome to have a good time.
“There will be music, games, raffles, a motorcycle and classic car show, police and fire equipment, and best of all, free food,” Kaufman said.
The neighborhood association has been involved with National Night Out for the past 14 years. Originally, it was just a small celebration in their community, but word of mouth made it a popular destination and they had to find a larger location.
“Thankfully, the school district let us have it at one of their buildings,” Kaufman said.
Kaufman said the event grows each year and last year attracted an estimated 400 people.
She said they rely on donations and volunteers to keep it running.
“I went out today and a nice lady from McDonald’s gave us 150 toys to give to the kids,” Kaufman said.
Kaufman added they have received memorabilia from the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Columbus Clippers to give away during the raffle or to auction off.
She also said Kroger’s, Giant Eagle, Wal-Mart and Target have all donated either food or gift cards. As for volunteers, Kaufman said they could always use more.
“There are only eight of us in the neighborhood association and we just don’t have enough (people for the entire event),” Kaufman said, adding volunteers for the food line would be very helpful.
National Night Out will take place Aug. 2 from 6 - 9 p.m. at Finland Elementary School, 1825 Finland Ave.
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