Photo provided Shane Leonard, right, hands Dave Majerek a check for $3,000 to donate the money raised by their recent golf outing to support the National Drug Awareness Program. They are both active local members of the Niles Elks Lodge 1322, located at 1322 Canal St. in Niles.

The Elks National Drug Awareness Program strives to teach all children and parents about the dangers of illegal drug use and prevent the abuse of legalized and prescription drugs.

As the largest volunteer drug awareness program in the United States, the program relies on state, district and lodge volunteers to promote a drug-free lifestyle. By taking pride in America’s communities and youth, the program takes action against youth drug use through education and inspiration.

Since 1982, the Elks have developed an effective, community-based drug prevention program by partnering with federal agencies including the Drug Enforcement Agency, Office of National Drug Control Policy, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and national organizations such as Pride Youth Programs.

These partnerships ensure the Elks Drug Awareness Program addresses the leading drug abuse issues facing communities today.

Every year, the Elks Drug Awareness Program hands out more than seven million pieces of anti-drug literature to parents, teachers and kids. The brochures are primarily distributed through the program’s 90 drug education trailers, which travel to community gatherings, such as fairs and sporting events.

These items can be obtained through the chairman and can be seen at the booths that are normally set up at state-sponsored functions. Its golf functions and special events raise money for this program and the public’s help make this program highly successful.