Toms River Elks Walk Out On Drugs For Peer Leadership

Sunday October 1, 2023 was a great day for a stroll on the boardwalk. It was also the perfect day for the New Jersey Elks Southeast District's Walk Out On Drugs.

The Walk Out On Drugs is an annual event that strives to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use. Funds raised help fund the Elks Peer Leadership Conference held annually in Long Branch, NJ. The Peer Leadership Conference is a 3-day long conference designed for students in grades 9 through 12. The goal of the conference is to provide the students with tools and resources needed to make healthy decisions regarding drugs and alcohol. Students are also taught techniques that will help enable them to educate their peers and members of the community.

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.

The Toms River Elks Drug Awareness Program, one of the most active committees in the lodge, is chaired by Beth Buecker. Buecker was joined on the walk by Toms River Elks Leading Knight Rich Miller, other members, family and friends. Other lodges from the Southeast district participated in the event as well.

Toms River Elks Lodge #1875 is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. It is one of eleven lodges in the Southeast District of New Jersey. The lodges in the Southeast district are Asbury Park/Wall, Bayville, Brick, Howell, Jackson, Lacey, Lakewood, Manahawkin, Manasquan, Point Pleasant and Toms River. The Toms River Elks Lodge is committed to serving its 1,200+ members and the community of Toms River and surrounding areas, as well as Southeast District, State and National Elks programs. To learn more please visit www.tomsriverelks.org

Contact: Valerie Marsden-Gray, [email protected].
Toms River Elks, 600 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08753