Drug Awareness Program
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Drug Awareness Program (the largest volunteer drug awareness program in the United States) works to prevent drug use by our youth through education. We are very proud of our dedicated army of volunteers who freely give their time and talents to this most noble cause. The Elks are committed to eliminating the use and abuse of illegal drugs by all members of society and believe that in order to ensure a bright future for our country, it is essential that our children be raised in a drug-free environment.
A variety of materials, activities and programs are available to Lodges. Printed material is available on line for download. Drug Awareness Trailers are available for use in schools, parades, fairs and community activities.
We also offer Essay contest, Poster contest, and Video contest through our local lodges. Click here for more details about these contest. If your school does not offer these, have them contact your local lodge.
For more information about the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Drug Awareness Program, please visit http://www.elks.org/dap/
Sanford Elks Drug Awareness Program
Helping Kids Make Healthy Choices
Sanford Elks Lodge #1679 is committed to helping young people in Sanford and Lee County make healthy, informed choices and understand the dangers of drug and substance abuse. Through the Elks Drug Awareness Program, our members take that message beyond the Lodge and directly into our community.
Throughout the year, Sanford Elks members participate in family and community events where we distribute drug-awareness educational materials, talk with children and parents, and promote a positive, drug-free lifestyle. Our outreach includes the Lee County Fair, No Scare Fair, Lee County Sheriff’s Office Trunk or Treat, and Sanford Downtown StreetFest. These events give us an opportunity to reach local families in a fun, welcoming environment while sharing an important message: healthy choices today can lead to a brighter future tomorrow.
Poster & Video Contests
Sanford Elks also encourages local students to become part of the message through the Elks Drug Awareness Poster and Video Contests. Young people use their creativity to communicate the importance of remaining drug-free, with winning entries having the opportunity to advance from the local level to higher levels of Elks competition. The national Drug Awareness Program's 2026–27 theme is “A Healthy Me Is Drug Free.”
These contests do more than teach children about the dangers of drugs—they encourage students to become advocates for healthy choices among their friends, classmates and community.