ORANGETOWN GIVEN NEW DARE CAR

ORANGEBURG -- Getting children to absorb anti-drug messages is not
always easy. Sometimes, you need a few tricks to keep their attention
- -- like a jazzy new car.

Orangetown Police Department's DARE program now has a slick, 2004
Scion as a prop to help attract youngsters.

The boxy Toyota -- described as resembling a World War I ambulance --
is packed with assorted attractions for children: DVD players, video
games, multicolored lights and boomboxes.

Children are drawn to the dark-blue color, American flags and brightly
colored American bald eagle and DARE insignia emblazoned on the side,
Orangetown Police DARE Officer Cathleen Sampath said yesterday.

"The response has been amazing from the kids," Sampath said. "We are
trying to reach out to the kids, get their attention. When we get
their attention, we hope they get the DARE message."

Rockland Toyota donated the Scion to the Orangetown Police
Department's Youth Services and DARE program.

Drug Abuse Resistance Education is a national program in which police
officers encourage youngsters to steer clear of drugs and alcohol.
DARE and school resource officers work inside the schools with
children, offering instruction on the perils of drugs and alcohol.

The Scion made its public debut during the St. Patrick's Day parade in
Pearl River; Irish music boomed from the double speakers in the rear
of the hatchback.

Neale Kuperman, president of Rockland Toyota, said yesterday that the
donation was a means to give back to the community. Sampath had spoken
to Kuperman about a year ago, when Rockland Toyota opened its new
facility in Orangetown.

Kuperman valued the car, with all its extra equipment and decorations,
at $20,000. Other businesses also contributed. Vinnie Pinstripes did
work on the Scion; Model Electronics contributed, as did Vigg Designs
Custom Systems and Whelen, which provided the police lights and system.

"We wanted to donate a car that students and youths could relate too,"
Kuperman said. "We felt the DARE program benefits all of us in the
county."

Toyota unveiled the Scion -- aimed toward the 18- to 25-year-old
market -- in June in California. One model is a sporty version; the
other is the box version given to the Orangetown Police Department.

Police Chief Kevin Nulty credited Sampath for the department's new
addition.

"She was the catalyst that unleashed the generosity of Mr. Kuperman,"
Nulty said.

The Scion will replace Orangetown DARE's 1986 Chevrolet Camero as the
top car in the anti-drug program's fleet. The slick Camero appeals to
an older generation, Sampath said, adding that the car is a favorite
of hers.

"This is our new baby," she said of the Scion.