Police department staff told the Fire and Police Commission that the department will participate in National Night Out on Aug. 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. The event will be held on Elm Street, near the Gary Morava Center and Lions Baseball Park, and will include free food, children’s games, music, an open community swim and displays of police and fire equipment. Staff said the Park District organizes the event in coordination with the police department.
Staff also announced a backpack and school-supplies giveaway on Aug. 6 at the east-side park off Apple Drive, hosted by Omni Youth Services in coordination with the police department and other community partners. Last year, staff said, organizers gave away “a couple [hundred]” backpacks; organizers expect a similar or larger number this year. Omni conducts fundraising and maintains collection sites and donation information on its website.
A commissioner asked how members of the public could donate supplies; staff indicated local businesses, residents and schools collect supplies and Omni runs fundraisers on its website to support the effort.
Ending: Staff encouraged community participation in both events and said they provide outreach opportunities and direct services—especially for families preparing for the school year.