It is expected that the sounds of children playing, buses unloading and bells ringing would be heard near a school on a crisp, autumn morning. But neighbors of Wilson Elementary School might have heard a different sound Oct. 31.
As they walked a lap around the school, students shouted, “Hugs, not drugs!” and “Just say ‘no’ to drugs!” They were encouraged to spread their message as part of Red Ribbon Week, a time when schools and organizations nationwide focus on anti-drug initiatives.
Volunteers from the Plant City Elks bring their Drug Awareness Program to area schools every year during Red Ribbon Week. This year, Red Ribbon Week was Oct. 23 to Oct. 31.
Elks chapters state-wide participate in the program, including the local Plant City chapter. Crystal Eaton is the program chair for Plant City’s chapter, and she has participated in the program for about seven years. But she said the Lodge at large has participated for as long as she can remember.
“It’s just a really good program,” Eaton said. “It gets the message out to school kids … to stay away from drugs. And they enjoy it.”
Judy Wise, another Plant City Elk, also volunteers with the program.
“We tell the kids, ‘Just say no. Don’t let anybody try to tell you that this is good for you,’” Wise said.
The Elks distribute goodie bags with coloring books, pencils and other items. Students also were greeted by Elroy, the Elks’ mascot. Eaton said he was particularly popular among the younger children.
But, for the older children, a special opportunity awaited. The Elks showed them mock samples that looked like real drugs, such as methamphetamine, marijuana and heroin. The goal is to make sure the children know what these items look like so that they will know never to take them from anyone.
The Elks also visited Independence Academy, Jackson Elementary School and Walden Lake Elementary School, Oct. 29. Eaton said Independence Academy, formerly Shiloh Charter School, is usually the most enthusiastic about the program.
“They had the Strawberry Festival Queen, they had the Strawberry Crest marching band, and they had some cheerleaders out there,” Eaton said. “They line up all the students and a police officer drives around the school. … They do make a really big deal out of it.”
Wise said the Elks reached approximately 2,000 students among the four schools this year, and that statistics show that children are using drugs or becoming familiar with them at younger ages than ever.
“In some of the schools, it is so sad,” Wise said. “Some of the kids will come out and say, ‘My mom does that,’ or ‘My dad takes that.’ … It’ll break your heart, but you hope you’ll get through to them.”
Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.