Salem-Area Businesses Donate $15,000 to Salem Police D.A.R.E Program

The Salem Police Department, in cooperation with the Salem-Keizer School District, teaches D.A.R.E. to fifth grade students.

(Salem) - Several well known Salem-area businesses will attend the Salem City Council Meeting on Monday to pledge their support for the department`s D.A.R.E program.

Officer Craig Seibel says they are extending an invitation to D.A.R.E. students, families, teachers, and parents to join them for this special event and don't forget to wear your DARE t-shirts.

Those making donations to the Salem Police D.A.R.E program Monday:

The Members of the Mid-Valley Garbage & Recycling Association are pleased to donate $5,000 to the D.A.R.E. program from the proceeds of recycling newspaper and magazines. Donations since 1997 total over $46,000.

The Seaman Restaurant Corporation (McDonald's of Salem) is proud to announce a donation of $5,000 to the D.A.R.E. program. Donations from the Seaman Restaurant Corp. since 1999 total over $31,000.

Wal-Mart North, Wal-Mart Mission Lakes, and Wal-Mart South Stores donated $4,000 to the D.A.R.E. program in 2005. Wal-Mart began sponsoring this valuable program in 2003. Donations from the three Wal-Mart stores in Salem total $7,700.00.

Panther Printing Incorporated is also proud to announce a donation of $1,000 to the Salem Police DARE Program. Panther Printing supplies every D.A.R.E. student with a graduation certificate. They have volunteered their services for several years.

D.A.R.E. is a nationally affiliated program for students that emphasis the cooperation of parents, community, schools, and law enforcement working together to promote drug education and resistance skills. Approximately 2,000 students participate in this program annually. Donations from businesses and other members of the community cover the cost of supplies (i.e. workbooks, t-shirts, awards, etc.) that go directly to the students.