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Neighborhood grant helps out the troops
Contributed by: Celeste Flores on 1/11/2008

What do the following items have in common: deodorant, silly string, puzzle books and thumbprint cookies? Answer: items of solidarity and support for a unit of army soldiers stationed in Iraq. A 2007 city of Northglenn Neighborhood Grant funded a unique community-building project: postage! Neighborhood Watch block captains, Bridget Matthews, Marge Fitch, and Ruth Duncan, came up with the idea to send two shipments of goods to the troops and the neighbors enthusiastically supported the project. Matthew's son is an Army Captain, while others are similarly personally impacted by the war. They applied for the City's small neighborhood grant funding.

The first shipment was collected in August, culminating at their combined National Night Out gathering. Residents purchased personal care items such as deodorant, shaving cream, foot powder, toothpaste and toothbrushes, as well as leisure items like board games, books, magazines, Frisbees, silly string, crossword puzzle books. Over 30 neighbors participated with amazing generosity and self-sacrifice. Fourteen boxes were packed, maneuvered for three hours through the post office and customs forms, and sent with care overseas.

And then the holiday cheer shipment! Households up and down the blocks baked goodies: thumbprints, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin, sugar, chocolate chip, and iced cookies, brownies and bars, as well as fruit and pumpkin breads. It was great to see that two new neighbors got involved, too. All came together in late November, shared a chili dinner and packed the baked goods in tins. The tins were placed in nine large boxes, surrounded by "packing materials" of hard candy and packets of hot chocolate and cider mixes. A variety of holiday cards were signed, especially by the neighborhood children, and included in the boxes. The boxes were lovingly sent off on November 21, 2007, to reach their destination by Christmas.

The unifying factor of this community building activity was support for the soldiers. "No matter what a person's politics, or support of the President, or the war, everyone could get behind a care package for the troops," said Matthews. "We got to know each other and shared in the achievement of a significant and rewarding project."

This Neighborhood Watch group is very active, meeting an average of six times per year. Their National Night Out celebration is one of the largest and most well attended gatherings in the city. Great food, games for the children and teens, and active participation of over half the households, make the event successful. An annual neighborhood clean-up is hosted, too.

For more information about Neighborhood Watch or Neighborhood Grants, call 303-450-8909.

Celeste Flores is the public communications manager for the City of Northglenn.


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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

John Eisel

Denver , COLORADO

John Eisel has posted 2865 stories and 12 comments since joining on 9/14/2005. John Eisel's average story rating is 4.39.
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