GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – Several police departments across the East held their National Night Out celebrations Tuesday after postponing them from the typical August date due to weather.

The event at the Town Common featured several food trucks and activities for all, including a drum circle and a meet-and-greet with the Greenville Police Department’s four-legged recruits.

National Night Out is a nationwide campaign aimed at fostering relationships between communities and their local police departments.

The event is held every year on the first Tuesday in August, but to beat the heat and rain, Greenville police have decided on this year’s alternate date: October 1st.

Greenville police say it’s a great way to engage with the community in a more relaxed way.

“It’s an opportunity to see officers in a different light because we’re not in a critical situation,” Lt. William Stokes. “You know, they can come and talk to us and realize that we’re all human. We just try to make it in this world together and it’s a good collaboration.”

Tuesday’s event was particularly enjoyable as several local organizations and vendors sat down to meet residents and share resources about health, wellness and the neighborhood.

Residents say they are happy to support National Night Out and are looking forward to next year’s event.

“Bring your kids outside to have a good time,” Annette Daniels said. “They have food trucks, they have a bounce house for the kids, they have a lot of activities for the kids and you have to come out and bring your kids next time.”

Greenville police also accepted donations at the event for those affected by Hurricane Helene, but say residents who didn’t make it to National Night Out can still donate.

GPD, along with several other local organizations, will be collecting donations daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. this week at Ignite Church, 4150 Bayswater Road in Winterville.

They are asking residents to consider donating essentials such as bottled water, non-perishable foods, baby food, bug spray, trash bags, toiletries, feminine hygiene products, toothbrushes, toothpaste and soaps.

Other accepted items include:

• Baby wipes
• Diapers (children & adults)
• baby food
• Baby wipes
• Bug spray
• Sun protection
• Plastic utensils, cups, plates
• Manual can openers
• Trash bags (13 gallon or contractor bags)
• Cleaning products including bleach
• Plastic panels/tarpaulins
• Toothbrushes
• toothpaste
• Toiletries
• Pet food (dog and cat)
• Animal food and water containers
• Hand sanitizer
• Disinfectant wipes
• Feminine hygiene products
• Durable work gloves and latex gloves
• Moisture free
• Sump pumps
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• Generators
• Gasoline can
• Extension cable
• cooler
• First aid kits
• Cover

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