A carnival sponsored by the national nonprofit L.E.A.D. continues through Sunday at the Voorhees Town Center.
L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence) began a decade ago in New Jersey and is dedicated to helping schools and students understand the perils of drugs and violence. It provides leadership and resources inside schools and out that enable police and other law-enforcement agencies to partner effectively with educators, families and community leaders to keep individuals not only from drug use and its related crimes, but also from alcohol, tobacco, bullying and violence.
“We’re excited to bring the L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival to the Voorhees Town Center,” said Nick DeMauro, the nonprofit’s CEO. “Not only will attendees have a fantastic time at the carnival, but they will also support our evidence-based program, which aims to educate students about the dangers of drugs and violence.
“This event holds special significance,” he added, “as it enables us to further our mission of teaching children nationwide about the importance of steering clear of drugs and violence while fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and communities.”
L.E.A.D. operates both its On The Street and In The Classroom programs to bring law enforcement and communities together. With more than 5,000 trained instructors in 45 states, it serves more than 500,000 students across 2,500 school systems.
The In The Classroom program utilizes an evidence-based curriculum for k-12 students that spans 10 weeks and is designed to equip students with the knowledge to make smart decisions without resorting to drugs or violence.
Outside of the classroom L.E.A.D. conducts its Law Enforcement on the Streets training to provide officers with the tools to address the social effects of drugs and violence; uses its Educator on the Streets program to inform teachers on those issues; and provides Parent on the Street online courses to help families recognize the signs and symptoms of drug use.
The carnival opens at 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
For more information on tickets, visit https://www.theleadfest.com/p/events/voorhees. To learn more about L.E.A.D., to to https://www.leadrugs.org/.
