SHERIFF'S OFFICE ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR CHILDREN REMOVED FROM HOMES

A new law that took effect Thursday now gives law enforcement officers the
authority to remove children without a court order from homes where
methamphetamine is being used or produced.

"Meth is one of the biggest problems we have to deal with," said Erath
County Sheriff Tommy Bryant. "It's cheap, easy to make and easy to conceal,
which makes it hard to detect."

Bryant said the majority of people in the Erath County jail are there for
some type of drug-related offense. But many of the smallest and most
innocent victims of the growing drug problem go undetected.

Children of meth users are often neglected and abused. Their health is at
risk due to the chemical contamination that using and producing the drug
generates.

In response to the new law, the Sheriff's office is requesting donations of
FEMA emergency blankets, car seats (new or used), clothing and basic
hygiene products for these children.

However, toys or other entertainment items are not needed.

"When we get these kids, they can't take anything with them, including
their clothes, because they are contaminated, which is why we are asking
for donations," Bryant said.

Anyone interested in donating items can drop them off at the Sheriff's office.

"They can bring them right out here to me," Bryant said.

For more information call the Sheriff's office at 965-3338.