The Santa Monica Police Department wants you to get to know your neighbors, and they are offering a prize to those who take the steps to do so.

“Through our daily interactions with the community we have noticed that many residents do not know their neighbors. The more unified the community, the stronger it becomes,” SMPD said in a press release Monday announcing the start of their “Meet Your Neighbors” program.

“Chief Jacqueline A. Seabrooks would like to encourage our residents to host a get-together on their block to simply get to know their neighbors better. These interactions are the building blocks for strong bonds that grow into lasting partnerships,” the release said.

“Our challenge to the community is to step out of their comfort zone and get to know the people on their block – their neighbors,” officials said.

Anyone who participates will be entered into a raffle to win a free block party, according to the press release.

“To be eligible for the SMPD hosted block-party, the individual neighbor gatherings must be registered online at santamonicapd.org,” officials said. “We ask that participants tag us in photos of the community events posted via social media.”

For more information about how to plan this event and build more bonds in your community please contact Community Affairs at community.affairs@smgov.net or 310-458-8474.

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