Pubdate: Tue, 28 Oct 2003
Source: Texarkana Gazette (TX)
Copyright: 2003 Texarkana Gazette
Contact:  http://www.texarkanagazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/976
Author: Ashley Gardner

RED RIBBON WEEK BEGINS

Many schools and after-school programs have activities planned to celebrate 
National Red Ribbon Week to promote drug free awareness and prevent the use 
of illegal drugs.

Red River Army Depot will host the annual Red Ribbon Campaign Rally at 10 
a.m. today at the Four States Fair Entertainment Center in Texarkana, Ark.

The program will feature bands, cheerleaders and other organizations from 
area schools. The guest speaker will be Miss Texas Sunni Cranfill.

"This is an opportunity for Red River Army Depot to bring the community 
together to help fight a worthy cause, the war on drugs," said Belinda Lee, 
public affairs officer for the Depot.

Tri-Community Development Center had its Red Ribbon kick-off Monday night 
complete with clowns, singers and speakers.

"This is a way we can talk to kids in the community about being drug free," 
said Karl Edmonds, executive director of Tri-Community. "Drugs are a big 
issue in the community but this keeps kids away from drugs and teaches them 
to say no. To me, Red Ribbon Week should be every week."

The Boys and Girls Club will host Shoot Hoops, Not Drugs from 6 p.m. to 8 
p.m. tonight in celebration of Red Ribbon Week.

The center will have a basketball shoot out, three-on-three games and free 
throws.

"It gives us a good opportunity to show the kids what we have available 
here-a safe place to go in the evening," said Carla Hill of the Boys and 
Girls Club. There will be sacks of candy, popcorn and drinks available for 
the kids.

The Refuge Christian Community Center will have a Skate-A-Thon from 6 p.m. 
to 10 p.m. Friday in celebration of Red Ribbon Week. Businesses and 
individuals in the community are asked to sponsor kids for each hour of 
skating. The money raised will be used for the center's operating cost.

The National Federation of Parents for a Drug Free Youth coordinated the 
National Red Ribbon Week.

The wearing and displaying of a red ribbon has become a visible indication 
of a person's commitment against the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens