Charlotte, NC – Youth ages 5 - 18 in Mecklenburg County who have the natural artistic ability to put thought to paper are encouraged to enter the first ever Mecklenburg County Project Safe Neighborhoods Calendar Art Contest. If selected, contestants' artwork will be showcased in the 2007 Project Safe Neighborhoods Community Calendar.

Project Safe Neighborhoods is a federally funded program working to keep our communities safe by eliminating gun violence. Administered by the U.S. Attorney’s office, Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force is comprised of members from state and local law enforcement, community groups, educational institutions and Mecklenburg County.

The PSN Calendar Art Contest gives area youth the opportunity to creatively express the impact of gun violence in their lives and community. Participants are encouraged to make a personal commitment to do something about the problem by possibly breaking the cycle of gun violence in their homes, schools and/or neighborhoods.

These calendars will be distributed to more than 500 homes in Mecklenburg County. For entry instructions and additional information, please call 704-336-8630. An entry form is attached to the email.