Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – The smell of freshly fried fish drew a massive crowd to North Allis Street Tuesday evening as cars lined up to receive meals at Fisher Street Community in Action’s annual National Night Out event.

Volunteers served over 400 meals in the combination walk-up/drive-through event, capping off a day that began with equipment setup at 9 a.m. and cooking by 1:30 p.m. According to Rev. Dr. Charles R. Coleman, some residents arrived as early as 1 p.m. to wait for the giveaway.

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The event, hosted across from the Fisher Street United Methodist Church, has been a neighborhood staple for six years.

“I want them to recognize this is not just a fish plate giveaway,” Coleman said. “I want them to recognize that we are trying to teach them in an undoctored way to be humble. To be associative. To also recognize that you can give back.”

Photographer: Jody Barker

The relaxed environment offered first responders a chance to connect with residents proactively. Jonesboro Police Chief Rick Elliott noted that Fisher Street is currently the only area of the city keeping the National Night Out concept alive.

“It’s always good to be involved with the community when you’re not having to answer calls and be up here for police reasons,” Elliott said. “I feel that the interaction with the community is very important to the department to help develop that relationship and which builds trust, and you know, we want the people to call us when they need us.”

Beyond the fish dinners, which Elliott pointed out provide a welcome change of pace for residents on a fixed income, the event also featured giveaways of cereal and Unilever products donated by local factories, as well as activities for the entire neighborhood.

The continuous, twice-a-year effort has fundamentally shifted the neighborhood’s dynamic with local law enforcement.

“Before, they didn’t know their names. Now they know their names,” Coleman said. “Now they’re able to talk to the officers. People come and start talking to them. Before, they didn’t do that.”

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