Spokesperson Kelli Narde says there could be as many as 50 neighborhood events organized by residents and businesses this year, designed to promote community spirit with anti-crime block parties.

Littleton was among the nationally recognized municipalities for National Night Out 2008 winning accolades in the category of communities between 15,000 and 50,000 in population.

The National Association of Town Watch (NATW), the sponsoring organization of National Night Out, estimates that this year's event will bring together 37 million Americans in 15,000 communities.

Typical of the event coordinators are Joe and Sue Hanson who organized their 6600 block of South Gallup Street event to be held at their neighbors, Kevin and Luz Centola.

Sue says the Centolas are making hot dogs with all the fixings and salsa, while she will provide homemade ice cream and asked participating neighbors to bring a side dish.

Soda and ice tea is provided and a piñata is provided for the entertainment of children - full of candy and a few special prizes that mean coupons for a local Dairy Queen.

The Hanson have hosted NNO for about seven years, but says only the last four years have been successful. For them it's a chance for togetherness in their neighborhood, which stretches from Ridge Road to Peakview Ave.

"To get to know your neighbor and to get comfortable with who shares your neighborhood. We just like getting out and getting to know our neighbors on a first name basis," she said.

Hanson wants at least 50 people to turn out and hopes to get neighbors involved in a Neighborhood Watch Group following this event. The requirements are to get 50 percent of neighbors involved, three watch captains signed up and signs installed.

Joe Hanson is on the committee involved with revamping the Neighborhood Watch Program, and will write a watch newsletter for groups citywide in the future.

Sue says Littleton Police Chief Heather Coogan is "all about community," and pushing her goal of lots of neighborhood groups.

The reaction in her own neighborhood, she says had been rewarding.

"It's been really good. They kinda keep an eye on things and when we walk the neighborhood they'll come out and say hi and tell us if there's been any problems."

Hanson says there have been results from neighborhood vigilance.

"We've had drug rings, but we've gotten rid of those, with our due diligence."

"We got a lot of new families in the area that have brand new babies that were born last winter, and we just want to make the neighborhood safe for their kids to grow up," Hanson added.

The main message of National Night Out is to increase support and heighten awareness of anti-crime and drug efforts and to combine efforts of citizens, law enforcement agencies, businesses and community organizations toward that end.

The Littleton Police Department is in the process of revamping its Neighborhood Watch program.

Police say those interested in developing a Neighborhood Watch program should survey their neighbors, establish a list of interested participants, designate three residents to serve as block captains and then contact the Littleton Police Department Community Outreach Unit either Sgt. Mitchell at 303-795-3712, or officer Hoak at 303-734-8266.

For more information, you also can contact the neighborhood watch coordinator at 303-734-8266.