Youth, Adults Employ Project Sticker Shock

To Cut Youth Access to Alcohol in Marshall County

Local middle and high school students will join members of the Marshall County Anti-Drug Coalition and other Marshall County residents in Project Sticker Shock ’09 on April 7.

This is the third year for Project Sticker Shock, which aims to cut underage access to alcohol. Participating youth will place specially made stickers on alcoholic beverages to remind customers that it’s illegal to purchase or provide alcohol to minors. The youth-led program was very successful in its first two events, in November 2007 and November 2008. The goal is not only to reduce alcohol sales to youth but also to eliminate the sales of alcohol to adults who would then turn around and give it to underage drinkers.

Project Sticker Shock is back earlier than planned due to retailers’ enthusiasm for the event and the message.

 “The first Sticker Shock of 2009 will be focused on raising awareness of the laws involving underage consumption prior to the beginning of Marshall County’s prom season,” said Mike Drosieko, community outreach coordinator at the Marshall County Family Resource Network. “It is an important time and a great opportunity to remind the Marshall County community that the best way to prevent underage drinking is by limiting youth access to alcohol.”

This year’s event will involve at least a dozen retail establishments: Butch’s Corner Inc., Jerry’s Mini Mart, Wal-Mart Supercenter, Smith Oil, Kroger in Benwood, two Gumby’s locations, Greg’s Markets, Dragon Mart and Limestone General Store. The stickers will be handed out at each of the retailers around 3:30 p.m. on April 7 in a short event at each store.

The Marshall County Anti-Drug Coalition would like to congratulate local businesses participating in the project for demonstrating their understanding of the state’s drinking laws and their concern for the community.

If you’d like to participate in this event, please contact Marshall County Family Resource Network community outreach coordinator Mike Drosieko at 304-845-3300. More information about the Marshall County Anti-Drug Coalition, and Project Sticker Shock, is available on the coalition’s Website at www.marshallcountyantidrugcoalition.blogspot.com.