Last Thursday’s rainfall had little effect on the end-of-summer block party at the Weed and Seed Program’s A. Fielder Memorial Safe Haven.
The block party, co-sponsored by the Las Cruces Police Department and the Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Department, was from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, August 12, at the A. Fielder Memorial Safe Haven, 906 N. Tornillo St. Heavy rain that evening forced most of the activities to move indoors.
The Walmart Supercenter, 571 Walton Boulevard, generously donated 80 backpacks, food and drinks for the youth who attended the block party. The New Mexico National Guard and DJ Black were also on hand for the festivities. The event was free and attended by many of the youth who regularly utilize the Safe Haven.
The A. Fielder Memorial Safe Haven is home to the Weed and Seed Program, that began as ‘Operation Weed and Seed’ in 2000. The mission of the program is to “weed” out violent crime, gang activity, drug use and drug activity and then “seed” the area by promoting social and economic revitalization.
Children from throughout the neighborhood participate in structured activities at Weed and Seed and take part in afterschool tutoring programs. Weed and Seed activities include education, creativity and the arts, life skills, music appreciation, physical fitness, team building and positive social interaction.
The A. Fielder Memorial Safe Haven is now open to school-age children throughout Las Cruces. For information about the Weed and Seed Program call 575/528-4257.