According to the National Family Partnership, a grassroots organization founded in 1980 to help families lead the charge in raising drug-free kids: “Children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those who don’t, yet only a quarter of teens report having these conversations.” The dangers of illicit drug use and prescription drug abuse are worth talking about with our kids early and often, and Red Ribbon Week provides tools for schools to get the conversation started and help keep it going.
October 23 – 31 is Red Ribbon Week (www.redribbon.org) across the country, and kids everywhere are pledging to say NO to drugs and celebrating the event with themed days at school, class parties and fun partnerships with local businesses.
This year’s Red Ribbon theme is:
Your Future is Key, so Stay Drug Free
Rapid City Public Schools and Douglas School District in Box Elder both have fun activities planned to encourage conversation, including a “wear red” day, pajama day, red ribbons and red bracelets. Local businesses are supporting Red Ribbon week by providing *discounts and freebies to kids who come in wearing their red ribbon or bracelet October 23-27.
*Students MUST be wearing a Red Ribbon or bracelet to receive these discounts, and remind your student to say, “Thank you!” to Red Ribbon sponsors. While many sponsor businesses are offering free items, it is a thoughtful gesture to support the business with an additional purchase if possible.
Rapid City Red Ribbon Week Deals (*Rapid City locations only)
ALTERNATIVE FUEL ….. $.99 (16 oz) Italian Sodas – limited to students K-12
BIG D OIL ….. Free Bug Juice drink for students wearing Red Ribbon (all RC Big D locations)
CHERRY BERRY ….. 3 oz FREE with purchase of 3 oz. (yogurt bar & toppings)
DAIRY QUEEN ….. FREE Kid-sized Cone (Limit 1 per person)
FLAGS & WHEELS ….. Buy One Get One FREE Go Carts – K-12, 1 per student per day
GLAZED & DAZED DONUTES ….. One FREE donut wearing Red Ribbon
MR. MOVIES ….. FREE General Title Movie Rental (Student must be present, 1 free title per student for the week)
SILVER LINING CREAMERY ….. $1.00 Soft Serve Cone (Main Street Square area)
TACO BELL ….. FREE Cinnamon Twists with purchase
TACO JOHNS ….. FREE Churro wearing Red Ribbon
Who’s GAME House ….. 10% off entire purchase wearing Red Ribbon (one time use)
Who’s TOY House ….. $5.00 off a $25+ purchase wearing Red Ribbon
Who’s HOBBY House ….. $5.00 off a $25+ purchase wearing Red Ribbon
YOYO BERRI ….. First 3 Ounces Free (Yogurt Bar & Toppings)
Box Elder Red Ribbon Week Deals (*Box Elder locations only)
PIZZA HUT ….. FREE order of breadsticks with any order in or carryout order
J & L MARKET ….. 1 regular candy bar + 12 oz soda or 16.9 oz water for $1
GIZZI’S COFFEE ….. 10% discount on an individual drink purchase (1 per day)
THE HAIR FORCE ….. 10% discount on any service
ARBY’S (ELK VALE) ….. FREE small soft drink with any purchase
MARCO’S PIZZA ….. FREE cinna square with any pick up order
DAIRY QUEEN ….. FREE Kids Cone
HARDEE’S ….. FREE chocolate chip cookie or apple turnover w/purchase
TRUE VALUE ….. 10% off purchase
ACE STEEL AND RECYCLING ….. An additional $.05 per pound on aluminum cans
FIRST INTERSTATE BANK (Rapid City) ….. $25 to Poster winner
SENTINEL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION (EAFB) ….. $25 to Poster winner