Charles County Sheriff Rex W. Coffey would like Charles County residents, neighborhoods and businesses to join him and the men and women of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, August 3 for National Night Out. “I encourage people to come out and be part of this event. Its fun and a great way to talk with the officers who patrol your community,” said Sheriff Coffey. For 16 years, Charles County has received national recognition for overall participation in this event.

National Night Out, which celebrates police-community alliances and their bold stance against crime, is always held the first Tuesday of each August. Already, 152 neighborhoods have registered to participate. Some neighborhoods host block parties with food, ice cream, moon bounces and other activities while others simply elect to leave their porch lights on for a few hours in the evening to demonstrate their support. Businesses display messages on their marquees and provide promotional giveaways and prizes for neighborhood block parties. 

The anti-crime mission behind National Night Out also strikes a chord with many residents and businesses across Charles County including Candice Quinn Kelly, owner of Maredith Management and the Candy Clark Boutique in La Plata. As a token of her support, she recently donated $1,000 to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office to support the agency’s National Night Out efforts. 

 “It is my personal and professional pleasure to support National Night Out and the commitment that our Charles County Sheriff’s Office has made to this important community event, under the leadership of Sheriff Rex Coffey,” Kelly said.
Vincent T. Oliva, president and chief operating officer of Maredith Management and Brent Quinn, the company’s vice president, presented the donation to Sheriff Rex Coffey on June 21 at the Sheriff’s Headquarters. 

 “Sometimes, a simple thank-you cannot sufficiently express our gratitude,” said Sheriff Coffey. “In an economy forcing everyone to tighten their purse strings, Candice has done more than just open her wallet. She’s made a real difference in her community and for that I am very grateful.”

 For more information about National Night Out, visit www.ccso.us or call Community Organizer Connie Gray at (301) 932-3080 by July 16. The event is usually held during the evening hours but times vary among communities.