More than 150 Kroger stores throughout Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina will participate in the 1998 National Night Out event tomorrow night.

The annual event attracts 35 million participants nationally and encourages local police and citizens to work together to fight crime. The vent is endorsed by President Clinton, the U.S. Department of Justice, the National Crime Prevention Council, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and mayors and governors throughout the country.

Introduced in 1984 by the National Association of town watch, this year's theme is "Give Neighborhood Crime and Drugs a Going-Away Party." The project's goals include:

· Heightening crime and drug prevention awareness.

· Generating participation and support for local anticrime programs.

· Strengthening neighborhood spirit and police and community relations.

· Sending a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

"The Kroger Company is pleased to continue our support of National Night out for the seventh year," said Paul Smith, president of the Kroger-Atlanta marketing area. "National Night Out has achieved tremendous success, with our stores becoming a center of activity to highlight safety and crime prevention. It offers our company the perfect avenue for joining the efforts to make our neighborhoods and our customers safe."

Kroger stores will offer a variety of activities for families and the community including finger painting of children, demonstrations by local police and fire departments, appearances by McGruff the Crime Dog and home safety demonstrations.

During the entire week of Aug. 1-8, different stores will sponsor community activities in honor of National Night Out.