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FAIR HAS DRUG-FREE EMPHASIS

GAUTIER - Marcus Adams of Pascagoula knows how drugs can affect a person's
life. His mother, Terri, died eight years ago from a drug overdose.

"It destroys the people you love and care for," Adams said. "My mother was
hooked on drugs for about 10 years and I wouldn't want anyone to experience
the pain I felt seeing her personality change over time."

Adams, one of more than 500 people who attended the fifth annual Children's
Services Fair/Make a Difference Day on Saturday at the Singing River Mall,
said he has dedicated his life to helping people stay drug-free.

Kathy Best, chairman of the event and executive director of the Jackson
County Children's Service Coalition, said proving information on services
the county offers on how to stay drug and alcohol free or how to get help
was the focus.

More than 24 organizations, local businesses and after-school program
directors were on hand handing out information on drugs and how they affect
a person's life and their family.

Ten-year-old Tyler Smith of Gautier attempted to walk a straight line while
wearing the "drunk goggles," which provide the vision of a person twice as
drunk as the legal limit of .08. He didn't get two steps in before falling
on his side.

"I'll never drink," Tyler said.