On Tuesday, August 6, St. Benedict Education Center instructors, Taha Najem and 
Mary Lou McCall, volunteered to work at one of the National Night Out events 
that took place at the Multicultural Resource Center (MCRC) in the 500 block of 
East 10th St.

In Erie and across the country, National Night Out looks to increase public 
awareness about law enforcement, social services and safety programs such as 
drug prevention, neighborhood watch groups and anti-crime efforts.  This 
evening’s celebration provided  SBEC and MCRC an opportunity to 
explain to the resident’s of the area services they each offer.

SBEC  contributed in a number of ways to this collaborative effort with MCRC.  
Pencils, highlighters, notebooks and folders were placed in backpacks for 
distribution.   Mary Lou and Taha greeted those attending at the welcome table.  
Mary Lou also worked at the Information Center explaining the serviced offered 
at SBEC and renewing connections with former SBEC families.  Taha joined with 
representatives from the Erie Asian-Pacific American Association as he  shared his  
language skills at the Language Station, helping individuals from diverse cultures 
interact with each other.  

Even though the event which was planned for outdoors had to be moved inside,
It was still a success.  Connections were made; information was shared; the 
children had a great time.