SCHERERVILLE | Youngsters who might not otherwise be able to visit the Tri-Town Safety Village may have that opportunity, thanks to a financial gift from Indiana Sen. Sue Landske, R-Cedar Lake.

The $1,000 donation is seed money to start a foundation to help needy families send their children to Safety Village free of charge, Safety Village Executive Director Diane Van Noort said.

Tri-Town Safety Village, off U.S. 41 north of U.S. 30, features a Survive Alive House, which teaches children what to do in case of a fire; a Main Street, where participants learn about traffic safety; and a rail crossing, which is operated by Canadian National Railway at no charge to visitors.

Although Safety Village survives mostly by fundraising and by annual donations from three participating municipalities -- Schererville, Dyer and St. John -- it charges a fee per child for most of its programs. Those charges vary depending on which programs visitors select.

Van Noort said Landske's donation ensures that 334 children will be able to tour the Survive Alive house, which costs roughly $3 per child.

The donation, and plans for a foundation, are significant in light of the worsening local economy. Already, some Chicago-area schools have nixed plans to visit Safety Village because of rising gas costs, she said.

The Safety Village board is preparing for its most important fundraiser -- its annual golf outing. The event is planned for June 2 at the White Hawk Country Club. Registration begins at 10 a.m., and tee off is at 12:15 p.m.

The cost per golfer is $175, which includes lunch, dinner and a silent auction. The cost for nongolfers is $50.

For more information, call Tri-Town Safety Village at (219) 865-9600.