Local Target to Host National Night Out

Despite a two-year hiatus, the will take part in National Night Out in 2012, as it joins forces with the Hackettstown Police Department and Target department store in Hackettstown.

The local branch of the national store on Route 46 will host the event on Aug. 7 from 2 to 7 p.m. in the business’s parking lot. The Washington Township Police Department will host a child finger printing station and families will be given the kits to bring home with them, according to Target’s Assets Protection Team Leader David Dreher, Jr.

Dreher, who is organizing the event, has also invited the Hackettstown Police Department to be on hand and conduct child safety seat checks for anyone who would like one.

Dreher said he’s working with the Tri-County Fire Department to set up a water activity for children, but did not have details yet.

Piggy’s Deli from Hackettstown will also be at the event, offering food and drinks for sale to attendees, Dreher said.

National Night Out, along with the D.A.R.E. program, was eliminated due to budget cuts in the Washington Township Police Department.

Since then, the Washington Township School district and Municipal Alliance Committee have come together to fund the D.A.R.E. program, which reentered the Long Valley Middle School in the 2011-12 calendar year.

National Night Out, however, has not reentered the municipal or any other budget, and this year’s event is being sponsored solely by Target.  

The event’s rain date is Tuesday, Aug. 21 from 2 to 7 p.m.