ST. LOUIS - Communities throughout the St. Louis Metro Area gathered in honor of National Night Out, which seeks to foster relationships between the community and law enforcement.

Specifically within FOX 's viewing area, regional law enforcement teamed up with local organizations to offer resources to the public such as food, haircuts and school supplies--just in time for school this semester.

Children also had the chance to partake in fun activities, which included bounce houses and face-paintings.

“It's a chance to educate the community on crime and being safe and also get a kickstart for students, making sure that they have the school supplies that they need,” said Lt. Michael Davis with the University City Police Department. “We just hope that everyone has a good time and it's a great way to bring the community together.”

FOX 2 spoke with organizers and police at the National Night Out gatherings throughout Illinois and Missouri.

All organizers share similar goals, which are to strengthen ties between the community and the police.

“It gives a chance for a lot of the young kids and a lot of the guys that have questions or kind of a fear of police to learn that law enforcement is not bad,” said Chief Kendall Perry with the East St. Louis Police Department. “It is good for everybody.”