(From press release)

Emphasizing the critical importance of deepening the relationship between members of the Celina Police Department and the City’s ever-expanding population, officials are encouraging residents to participate in National Night Out, this year set for Tuesday, Oct. 1.

“National Night Out is a great opportunity for our community members to meet the members of their police and fire departments,” says Police Chief Tony Griggs. “That evening, the Celina community and the police department come together to show their determination in working together to keep Celina a safe community. Neighbors watching after neighbors is the foundation of a safe community.”

Celina’s extraordinary growth over the last few years has meant that residents may not have had opportunities to meet each other and exchange information. Exchanging contact information among neighbors has been shown to be a key factor in crime prevention and abatement, as neighbors who know each other are more apt to call each other during emergencies and watch each other’s property.

During National Night Out, residents and neighborhoods are asked to lock their doors, turn on their porch lights, and gather at a central location to meet each other, or renew acquaintances, spend time together, and welcome police officers and elected officials to their event.

Neighborhoods will often host cookouts, parades, mini-festivals and other social events during the evening, encouraging residents to enjoy the camaraderie and become an active part of the informal neighborhood watch program.

In addition, in recognition of October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the evening provides neighborhoods an opportunity to assist two of our community’s partner organizations devoted to intervention and prevention services to individuals and families affected by intimate partner and family violence. Hope’s Door New Beginnings Centers in Plano and Garland as well as Friends of the Family Center in Denton provide comprehensive services for the victims of domestic violence.

As in previous years, the Celina Police Department is asking neighborhoods to cooperate in the effort by placing a collection box at their event and encouraging neighbors to donate certain items to the organizations. There is a collection box located at the Police Department, 110 N. Colorado St., as well. A list of acceptable items can be found at https://hdnbc.org/get-involved/donate/donate-items.

National Night Out events are planned at: Morgan Lakes; Preston Hills; Heritage; Light Farms; Carter Ranch; Tolleson Estates; Twin Lakes; Parkside; DC Ranch; Mustang Lakes; Bluewood; Creeks of Legacy; and Downtown Celina.