The Elks work with law enforcement agencies and drug awareness programs.

LEWISTON – In its ongoing effort to reduce drug abuse in the area, Lewiston Lodge of Elks 371 recently donated several drug awareness items to the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department, including drug awareness pamphlets, radios, coloring books, school supplies and soccer balls that can be used by the sheriff’s department in efforts to educate children on the dangers of drugs.

On hand to receive the items were Sheriff Ron Gagnon, Drug Awareness Officers Tim Kinovich and Brian Smith and Uno, the county’s drug dog. Presenting the items on behalf of the lodge were Exalted Ruler Jackielynn Farrell of Auburn and Maine Elks Association State President and Lewiston Lodge Trustee Elmer Berry of Greene.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks lodges each have a Drug Awareness Committee that works with law enforcement agencies and drug awareness programs throughout the country.

The program provides free pamphlets and other materials to schools and other community groups in an effort to make parents and teens aware of the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. In addition, the program targets youth in the elementary grades, particularly those in fourth through ninth grades, where attitude and behavior can still be influenced.

For more information on the drug awareness program or to obtain free drug awareness pamphlets, contact the Lewiston Elks Lodge at 784-4801 or visit www.elks.org.