CELEBRATING NATIONAL RED RIBBON WEEK

If you saw employees from Youth and Shelter Services wearing crazy
hats today, there's a reason.

If you see students walking into Colo-Nesco or Roland-Story elementary
schools with clothes on that don't match, there's a reason.

And at Ames High School today, there's a reason you could hear members
of the Students Against Destructive Decisions reading disparaging
facts about people who use drugs over the intercom.

CELEBRATING NATIONAL RED RIBBON WEEK, STUDENTS AND YOUTH ADVOCATES
across Story County are encouraging others to be drug-free through
various and unique methods.

"It is so hard to be a young person these days," said Julie Hibben,
the community youth development coordinator at Youth and Shelter
Services. "There are so many pressures to use drugs, but this is one
week where students and everybody can do something that encourages
others to not use drugs."

Every school district in Story County is doing something to recognize
the week. Many church and civic organization have also joined in.

Youth and Shelter Services advocates handed out more than 400 tulip
bulbs this week. The idea is to plant to tulips now and when it blooms
in April remember to be drug free. April is alcohol awareness month.

"As adults we can support young people to be drug free through many
ways," Hibben said.

Organized by Youth and Shelter Services, hundred of red ribbons have
been distributed, brochures have been handed out and displays have
been organized.

Red Ribbon week continues through Sunday. Many more activities are
planned on Friday in area schools.