RED RIBBON WEEK WILL BE CELEBRATED OCT. 18-24

Red Ribbon Week 2003 will be celebrated from Saturday, Oct. 18 through Friday,
Oct. 24.

The San Marcos community participated in Red Ribbon Week for the first time in
1989, and has continued to support the effort every year since.

This year theme is "Freedom is Drug Free Land." T-shirts are navy blue with a
red, white and blue design on printed on the back side. A smaller image of the
design is printed on the front.

A committee of community members with representatives from all segments of the
community work together each year to make the week-long event happen. Local
social service agencies, school district personnel, law enforcement and
interested community members work collectively to ensure that this year's
campaign will be the best yet.

"We are truly excited and encouraged by the tremendous response from the
community for support of this years program," said committee member Sue Cohen.
"This years red ribbon campaign will highlight and bring attention to the
ongoing efforts by Hays Caldwell Council to prevent illegal use of tobacco,
alcohol, and other drugs across the state. You are invited to demonstrate your
support by wearing and displaying the red ribbons during this observance to
show our communities unified and visible commitment for a community free of the
abuse of alcohol and drugs", said Cohen.

Red Ribbon Week began in response to the brutal murder of D.E.A. agent Enrique
Camarena by drug traffickers. The campaign was created so that Americans can
express their firm conviction to create visable support for drug-free
communities. This year marks the 15th year that the San Marcos community has
supported the effort.

The celebration will be kicked off Saturday Oct. 18 by the Family 1K Run
followed by the certified Red Ribbon 5K Run. The Red Ribbon 1K will begin at 8
a.m. at River Ridge Park just north of San Marcos on IH 35. The certified 5K
Race will begin at 8:30 a.m.

On Sunday Oct. 19, area churches will participate in the distribution of Red
Ribbons. Congregations will offer prayers for those whose lives are touched by
the effects of drug use and drug addiction. Further prayer will be offered for
those who are working to combat the problem through treatment, law enforcement,
education and prevention.

The week will be observed in schools and businesses by special themed days.

Monday, Oct. 20 will mark the distribution of 50,000 Red Ribbons to Hays and
Caldwell Counties.

To order Red Ribbons for your organization or business contact the
Hays-Caldwell Council at 396-7695. This year in addition to the pin on ribbons,
ribbons will be distributed for vehicles and mailboxes.

For information, call Sue Cohen, 396-7695, Hays Caldwell Council on Alcohol and
Drug Abuse, 1901 Dutton Drive #E, San Marcos, Texas 78666