The Town of Smithtown Horizons Counseling and Education Center and Smithtown Youth Bureau, in conjunction with the 4th Precinct of the Suffolk County Police Department, launched the 4th Annual “Pizza Box Top Project” on August 20th. This youth-led initiative works to educate and change adult attitudes regarding providing or selling alcohol to minors.
The campaign was done in collaboration with Mema’s in Commack, Branchinelli’s in Hauppauge, and Buona Sera in Smithtown. Approximately 1,200 stickers were adhered to carry out bags from the pizza parlors. Participating pizzerias were recognized for their help in combating the buying of alcohol to minors.
“This is one of our favorite events to hold throughout the year. We hope the underage drinking prevention stickers help to open a dialogue in families that may not have happened without it. The young people and the pizzerias involved are wonderful to work with.” - Kelly DeVito, Youth Services Coordinator
Suffolk County Police Department Fourth Precinct COPE officers LaVeglia and Dono, along with a School Resource Officer, presented vital information about the Suffolk County Social Host Law, underage drinking, and the dangers of the Internet to the volunteers. Students then adhered 1,200 prevention messaging stickers that read “Your Decisions Matter - Preventing underage drinking is everyone’s responsibility” on carry out bags for all three local pizzerias. The goal of the annual campaign is to bring attention to the issue of underage drinking and remind adults of the consequences of providing alcohol to minors.
The student volunteers to participate in this year’s initiative were Cailey Bobadilla, Josh Bobadilla, Vaishnavi Ravichandar, Kyle Wozniak, and Emma Wozniak.
DID YOU KNOW:
Alcohol is the most widely abused drug by young people.
During these times when more people are spending time at home, alcohol use is increasing.
For more information on this and future youth empowerment programs, contact Kelly DeVito at Smithtown Horizons Counseling & Education Center at (631)360-7578 or Stacey Sanders at the Smithtown Youth Bureau at (631)360-7595.