Naperville kicks off National Night Out with free movie Aug. 1
Last year, over 40 Naperville neighborhoods participated in National Night Out, a nationwide community event is designed to heighten drug prevention and crime awareness, generate support and participation in local anti-crime efforts, and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships.
Residents in neighborhoods throughout Naperville and across the nation are asked to turn on their porch lights, lock their doors and spend the evening outside with their neighbors, police officers, firefighters and other city personnel. Events such as cookouts, block parties and neighborhood walks will all occur simultaneously throughout Naperville and nationwide.
On Monday, Aug. 1 at 6 p.m., join the City of Naperville and YMCA for a free night of outdoor family fun and a magical movie under the stars to celebrate National Night Out in Naperville.
Not every neighborhood in Naperville hosts a National Night Out event, so the City of Naperville, in partnership with the YMCA, is hosting a free communitywide event for everyone to enjoy at Fry Family YMCA, 2120 W. 95th St.
The kickoff event will feature free family fun, including entertainment, activities for all ages and giveaways. Attendees can play in a bounce house, participate in games and activities, check out police equipment, and enjoy a limited amount of free food (including popcorn and Ben & Jerry's ice cream) before setting up blankets or chairs to enjoy an outdoor showing of Disney's "Encanto," which will begin at sunset.
Bring a donated item to benefit DuPagePads to be entered to win one of two children's bicycles or a Ring video doorbell. One ticket is given for each item donated. Donated items will be accepted at the DuPagePads table. The drawing will be held before the movie, and participants must be present to win.
More than 40 neighborhoods throughout Naperville have registered to join communities nationwide and participate in the city's 26th annual National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Members of the Naperville police, park district police, Naperville fire, public works, animal control, electric and water utility departments will visit many of the registered events as time and circumstances permit. Registration is currently closed.
The city also has partnered with DuPagePads for this year's National Night Out donation drive.
For 37 years, DuPagePads has remained a beacon of hope for those with little or no support while experiencing homelessness. Offering year-round shelter and supportive services, DuPagePads helps individuals and families restore hope and find stability while providing case management and services that address the underlying causes of homelessness.
DuPagePads services include emergency shelter through their interim housing center program, a client service center and case management, career-employment-education solutions, and longer term supportive and permanent supportive housing.
Learn more about the needs of DuPagePads at www.naperville.il.us.
Neighborhoods are encouraged to conduct a donation drive for this worthy cause in conjunction with their National Night Out events. A donation box will be provided.
For questions about National Night Out, contact Naperville Police Department's National Night Out Coordinator Julie Smith at (630) 305-5450 or smithju@naperville.il.us.