STUDENTS BRING GIFTS FOR DRUG COURT KIDS

HOLLIDAYSBURG -- Someone cares.

That's a message the Blair County Drug Court tries to convey to
addicts whose heroin or crack cocaine habits led them to the wrong
side of the law.

On Wednesday, a group of Central High School students showed the
adults in drug court that someone cares about their children, as well.

Four high schoolers who belong to Students Against Destructive
Decisions and school counselor Stephanie Thompson brought armloads
of Christmas gifts to the courthouse and stacked them on both sides
of the hallway outside a large courtroom where drug court was being held.

The brightly wrapped gifts, which included teddy bears and toys of
all sorts, were a strange sight outside a courtroom, where the most
destructive side of society is on display.

The Central students held fundraisers during the year to buy gifts
for the children of drug court participants.

When the court review was completed by mid-morning, participants
were directed to pick up the gifts.

"I just think it's good," drug court participant Mike Elvey said of
the effort.

In some cases, people can't afford to buy Christmas gifts for their
children, Elvey said.

Scott Schultz, who works for the county Adult Parole and Probation
Office, said the 50 drug court participants needed gifts for an
equal number of children.

"These kids have suffered through their parents' addictions. We
wanted to let them [the kids] know that someone cares," Schultz said.

He said the effort not only benefitted the children, but it also
gave "positive reinforcement" to the parents, many of whom have
struggled with their own self-images.

"There are a lot of unsung heroes out there trying to help people go
through what they are going through," Schultz said about the Central students.

Thompson said 60 Central students participate in SADD.

The organization used to be known as Students Against Drunk Driving,
but the name was changed to reflect that drunken driving is not the
only problem that afflicts young people.

The group encourages students "to make good decisions" and strives
to "empower people to do the right things," Thompson said.

SADD members do more than talk. Earlier this year, the group
undertook a project for the homeless.

On Wednesday, SADD's officers transported more than 50 gifts to the
courthouse, Thompson said.

A tree of giving contained an ornament representing each needy
child. Students removed the ornaments and purchased gifts for each child.

Earlier in the week, Central students held a huge gift-wrapping session.

"They were thrilled to get to see the court proceedings," Thompson said.