Program helps children affected by drug epidemic

Operation GRACE, a program started by Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste Management District Director Dan Palmer two years ago to help Scioto County children affected by the drug epidemic, recently received a generous donation from Portsmouth Coca-Cola Bottling Co. General Manager Mike Payne.

The donation included soap, shampoo, shaving cream, toothpaste, socks, washcloths and more.

Palmer started the program, which stands for Giving Relief to Area Children for Enrichment, in the spring of 2016 after attending an opioid conference in Columbus and noticing that a lot of the attention was being placed on the addicts themselves, and neglecting the children who are affected by the epidemic. After talking to Scioto County school officials and staff, as well as the commissioners, children in need were identified and helped through the program.

Donations for the program have come from a variety of sources, including individuals, businesses and even students from The Ohio State University made a large donation of supplies through a grant earlier this year.

Items collected through Operation GRACE include toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, hair brushes, soap, shampoo, towels, washcloths, deodorant, shaving cream, feminine products, socks, underwear, T-shirts, shoes, sweatshirts, coats or jackets, and blankets.

Anyone wishing to donate to Operation GRACE can contact Palmer at the Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste Management District office.