The Drug Free All-Stars of The Coalition, Inc. completed their annual event, Project Sticker Shock. The 59 Drug Free All-Stars stickered 28 grocery and convenience stores throughout Angelina County to help prevent underage alcohol use. The Coalition Inc. and the Drug Free All-Stars would like to thank Brookshire Brothers, La Michoacana Meat Market, Hernandez Grocery, Big’s convenience stores, and Coleman’s convenience store for participating in this year’s Project Sticker Shock. The Coalition hopes Project Sticker Shock makes the community aware of the dangers of underage drinking. Taha Nazeer, Lufkin High School Drug-Free All Star said, “It's important for youth to participate in Project Sticker Shock so not only adults but also youth themselves can be reminded about alcohol's dangers. When youth participate in Project Sticker Shock, they gain experience in advocacy, which prepares them for future efforts to spread awareness about community drug abuse.” Zavalla High School Drug-Free All Star, Holden Boulware, said “I think that Project Sticker Shock is important for deterring adults from providing alcohol to minors, which seems to be a growing issue here in East Texas. Too often we are seeing the tragic consequences of underage drinking, and if this helps even in the slightest then it will all be worth it.” Research shows that teens who start drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop dependence later in life than those who wait to drink until age 21 or older.
Since 1988, The Coalition has focused on eliminating the use of harmful substances by affecting public policy, laws, attitudes and behaviors, all in an effort to foster healthy life-long choices for the local community. For more information about the Drug-Free All Star program, contact Abby Baker at The Coalition at 936-634-9308.