State Chairman:

Richard Hobson Sr. 6453 Florence Road Biloxi, MS 39532 Home: 228-396-1136

I am very pleased with the accomplishments of our State Program this past year. Many thanks to the members to our association for their assistance and efforts this past year!

We were able to construct a "Drug Awareness trailer" for the State Association. The trailer is constructed so it can used to serve food out of it at "Opening Ceremonies" for Youth Sports functions, and any other functions where appropriate. This should increase the usage of it, as well as increase our programs exposure to the public. Special thanks go to Horace Burlison and Paul Bosarge, of Pascagoula Lodge # 1120, for their assistance. Horace has donated time, expertise and the use of his vehicle to move the trailer around, as well as offered to donate certain items to equip it. Paul painted the trailer at no cost to the association, thereby supporting the effort with his expertise, finances and time.

The association continued to get our drug awareness materials into more schools, libraries and medical groups this year. We are still serving, but not limited to, the Miss. Dept of Mental Health, the Medical Library at the University of Miss. Medical Center, Jackson and George County School Systems and Libraries. The Green County, Hancock County, Harrison County, Gulfport City, Long Beach City, Pass Christian, and Canton Schools were serviced by us this year, in addition to those already named.

This year we were fortunate to be able to take part in School Health Fairs in the Gulfport Lodge # 978 area. Special thanks go out to Domino’s Pizza, McDonalds, Sonic, B. J. and Betty Byrd for their support in the Gulfport Lodge area. There is one school in particular that I would like to recognize for participation in the program. The Gulfport Lodge gives a "Traveling Trophy" to the school with the most participation in that lodges efforts. This year Pineville was the winner. Gulfport contacted 13533 students in their Essay and coloring contest. This was in addition to 34 schools and organizations, to bring total contacts to 22783 students.

Drew Isham, Pascagoula Lodge # 1120 Chairman, had assistance from 1033 participants to reach over 28,000 young people. Involved was 302 Elk hours and 155 non-elk volunteer hours, along with 3,234 Elk miles and 1233 volunteer miles traveled.

Greenville, Pascagoula and Gulfport Lodges continued their successful Red Ribbon campaigns. This year I received a report that Canton Lodge joined with them in a successful program. These Lodges distributed over 30,000 Red Ribbons and more related articles. I am certain that some of the other Lodges had a Red Ribbon program, however I received no report.

Corinth jumped in with a great program this year. They furnished 4,600 brochures, 1 roll of D. A. stickers, and 2000 coloring books to the Alcorn county D. A. R. E. program. Thanks to them we got 4500 brochures into Corinth, Alcorn Central and Biggersville High Schools. They also placed 500 coloring books in some local kindergartens.

Greenville # 148, as usual, was a major player this year. This group has a committee of only four, a budget of only $ 700.00 and minimal volunteer help (4). Keeping this is mind, they held 2 Red Ribbon and 1 Safe Night, reached 35000 youth, 2000 parents and distributed 20000 Red Ribbons. Eight Elks spent 50 volunteer hours to accomplish their program. This lodge has a coalition with the Washington County Drug Task Force that aids them in a lot of theiraccomplishments. It onlt takes a desire to serve your community and you can get it done. Great Job Gentlemen and Ladies!!!

Coalitions this year were numerous, and I will try to list them but will probably miss a few: Kids Against Tobacco - Arcola MS; RADAR - MS Health and Human Services; MS State Dept. of Mental Health; Washington County Drug Task Force; Metcalf Summer Reading Program; Various Youth Court Organizations; Mississippi Highway Patrol;Several Church Organizations.

Fund raising had the usual raffles, donations etc. It seems a favorite raffle item is "Elroy The Elk".

I wish to thank Mr. Narry Tangen, National Director, for his assistance this year. The State used the entire brochure allotment given them and needed more, Harry came through. Thanks also to Bobby Miles, Alabama Chairman, for offering assistance with some of their materials if we needed them.

I am privileged to be a part of the best program we have in Elkdom.

Sincerely Bill McDevitt, Sr. P .E. R.
Mississippi State Drug Awareness, Past Chairman