Enumclaw organizers are planning a second Neighbors Night Out for the evening of Aug. 7, providing an opportunity for residents to gather and learn about their neighbors.

Associated with National Night Out that occurs across the country – and in more than 100 Washington cities, including a large event at the Buckley Youth Center, the event was first promoted last year in Enumclaw by the local task force Linking Civility, Compassion and Kindness. LINCCK hopes the chain reaction of kindness and compassion recently spurred by the local school district’s Rachel’s Challenge effort will continue with NNO.

Neighbors Night Out organizers operated on the belief that the community will be healthier if people know who lives beside them, if a friendly smile can be shared more often and if a helping hand can be offered more readily.

NNO can consist of get-togethers of any size occurring in front or backyards, or even blocked-off streets, providing an opportunity for people to meet, socialize and get to know one another. It can be as simple as root-beer floats, a shared barbecue or a block party with music and dancing.

LINCCK is putting together a package for emergency preparedness that NNO participants might find helpful and is bringing the Red Cross the evening of July 24 for basic training. Although not a requirement, those hosting a NNO event are encouraged to register with the Enumclaw Regional Healthcare Foundation to arrange possible visits with officials, get flyers with NNO information or receive a postcard that can be given to neighbors stating the particulars for a gathering.

The Healthcare Foundation can be reached at 360-802-3206.