Today, the Red Ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities. Since its’ beginning in 1985, the Red Ribbon symbol has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. In response to DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, angered parents and youth in communities began wearing red ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the destruction caused by drug use in America.
During Red Ribbon Week, the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress helped spread the important message of drug prevention to its members. Members completed “Drug-Free Pledges” throughout the week and showed their support by wearing red all week.
Special guest Officer Julie Marquez of the Cypress Police Department visited the teen members and focused on the harmful effects that drugs cause on your bodies. She also discussed the impact drug use can have on a person’s future.
Boys & Girls Club teen member Raul R. commented, “I think the presentation was really good because it taught us how bad drugs are for your body.”
Cypress Chief of Police Jackie Gomez-Whiteley visited on Wednesday, Oct. 29 the members in 1st through 6th grade to discuss ways to say no to drugs and how to discuss drugs with a trusting adult. Members asked insightful questions about life on the police force, how to get their family members to stop engaging in harmful activities as well as why drugs are a bad idea.
For more than 35 years the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress has been at the forefront of youth development, working with people of all economic, ethnic, social and family circumstances, with special concern for those who are disadvantaged.
The club provides children with a safe place to grow and learn, ongoing relationships with caring adult professionals, and life enhancing programs. Today, more than 1,100 youth between the ages of 5 and 17 take advantage of the services and programs provided by the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress.
The club is open each day after school until 6:30 p.m. For more information or to register your child visit www.boysandgirlsclubofcypress.com, or stop by the club at 10161 Moody Street in Cypress. You can also call the club at 714-527-2697.
