0804NIGHTOUTAUD
Billy Hendrix of Little-Davenport Funeral Home in Gainesville talks about the funeral home’s participation in National Night Out.Have a concern about identity theft or crime in your neighborhood?
Area law enforcement agencies will be on hand Tuesday to address such worries, as well as promote public safety in general, at National Night Out, an event sponsored locally by Little-Davenport Funeral Home.
The event is set for 6 to 8 p.m. outside the funeral home at 335 Dawsonville Highway in Gainesville.
Target is the national sponsor of the event, which strives to bring law enforcement and public-protection agencies together, along with other concerned agencies, businesses and organizations.
The aim is "to create a stronger community presence and a bond to fight crime and drugs," said Billy Hendrix, public relations director for Little-Davenport.
"It’s just a great time for the community to come out and talk with (officials)."
Neighborhood Watch started the program 25 years ago, he said.
Little-Davenport has been involved with National Night Out for two years.
"With identity theft and all these different kinds of scams and everything going on in the community, we looked at this a couple of years ago and thought it was a great opportunity to join some forces," Hendrix said.
"This was just a great way to give back," he added.
Scheduled to appear at the event are Oakwood, Flowery Branch and Gainesville police departments, Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, Hall County Fire Services, Gainesville Fire Department, Safe Kids Gainesville/Hall County, Safe Campuses Now, Liberty Mutual, American Heart Association, Comfort Kids, Interactive Neighborhood for Kids and Little Debbie Snacks.
Target will provide free hot dogs and drinks, and Riverside Pizza will provide free pizza.
Also, a dozen or so police and fire vehicles will be on display.
State Rep. Carl Rogers, R-Gainesville, will kick off the event at 5:45 p.m. reading a proclamation issued by Gainesville Mayor Myrtle Figueras.