Kids learn about dangers of drugs, alcohol, tobacco
CHAMPAIGN – Teens and younger children competed in a trivia contest at the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club on Wednesday, but it wasn't just fun and games.
A sample question: The most commonly abused drug in the United States is a) marijuana, b) alcohol, c) cocaine, d) heroin. (Answer: a).
The contest was one of many drug-prevention activities under way at the club as part of "Red Ribbon Week."
Coordinator Sonya Lynch said the theme of Red Ribbon Week ties in nicely with the Don Moyer club's "Smart Moves" program, which promotes abstinence and teaches kids how to avoid drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
"The program is basically geared to help them make better choices in life," Lynch said. "Red Ribbon Week is one way to teach it."
The nation's oldest and largest drug- prevention program in the nation, Red Ribbon Week is held the last week of October every year, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
From left, Steven Thompson, Timothy Felton and Jatavius Evans answer trivia questions about drugs asked by Nivia Andros at the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club in Champaign on Wednesday. The club is participating in Red Ribbon Week, a national drug-prevention program. By Robert K. O'Daniell
Supporters wear red ribbons, participate in anti-drug events and pledge to live a drug-free life. The national effort began as a tribute to Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a veteran Drug Enforcement Agent who was kidnapped, tortured and killed by Mexican drug traffickers in 1985.
The Don Moyer club organized presentations for kids by the Champaign County Public Health Department, Urbana Police Department and Urbana Fire Department. The University of Illinois women's softball team talked to club members Tuesday about dreams that can be lost through drug abuse.
An event for parents Monday night included strategies for preventing underage drinking and drug abuse.
Children also had a chance to enter an art or essay contest about drug prevention, which drew about 50 entries. Winners in three age groups will be announced Friday and will receive gift certificates to Toys 'R' Us, Beverly Cinemas or Foot Locker.
Marlaine Guillaume, lead program assistant at the club, wrote trivia questions geared to four different age groups.
Daeja Hines, 8, and Sarina Wilske, 7, won Dora the Explorer hair accessories for knowing that you shouldn't take drugs if you're pregnant and that you can't smoke until you're 18 years old.
"You could hurt yourself and hurt your baby," Daeja said.
"If people smoke at 6 or 7 or younger, their lungs could get black and they could die," Sarina added.
Dayton Coleman, 8, said he learned "to not do drugs. They can make you really sick and you'll pass out." And, he said, "If somebody tries to give you a drug, say no and just walk away."
Guillaume thinks the kids got the message because it's one they hear often.
"It's not just a one-week thing," she said. "It's a continuing thing here at the club."
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