The Pearl River County United Coalition is expecting a big turnout for its fourth annual March Against Drugs this Saturday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m.
The walk will begin in the parking lot of Resurrection Life Worship Center, located at 795 Memorial Blvd. and will conclude at First Baptist Church’s green space on Goodyear Boulevard.
“We want to encourage people to come out and support what we’re doing because we have a serious problem in our county,” said Coalition member Dawn Bechtel. “We need to march and say that we are not going to take this anymore.”
The Coalition includes organizations such as the Picayune and Pearl River Central School Districts, the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department, the Picayune Police Department, and the Picayune Fire Department, as well as other concerned community members.
“Our motto is prevention before intervention,” said Bechtel.
The event will be the fourth consecutive year the Coalition has marched to raise awareness against drug abuse in Pearl River County. This year’s agenda will feature a performance from the Picayune and PRC bands, an exhibition by the PRC cheerleading squad, and a skit by the PRC drama department featuring anti-drug characters Captain Shield and Bucky. A guest speaker from Resurrection Life will also be present to give a personal testimony on his battle with drugs.
There will be free t-shirts supplied for those in attendance, although there will be a limited number available so participants are encouraged to arrive early. As many as 2,000 people have attended the event in the past.
The Coalition is providing complimentary ice water and bus transportation back to Resurrection Life after the march for those that need it.