Drug-free rally set for W-B

Bill O'Boyle

Jul. 2, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- WILKES-BARRE -- Darlene Duggins is anxiously planning her 5th annual Drug-Free Block Party to help all children in the Wyoming Valley community.

Duggins said the theme this year is diversity, and she has come up with a slogan: "There is no unity without diversity and no diversity without unity."

"With the changes in our communities and nation that have taken place and the changes that still need to be done, we thought unity and diversity would be the right theme at this time," Duggins said. "Our organization has been helping our children in the community since 2005. It has always been a desire of ours to give back to the community and dedicate as much energy and time to make a difference through events like this, in an effort to open community awareness and unity."

Duggins' organization -- United We Stand Divided We Fall -- has relied on many volunteers who Duggins said "have unselfishly and tirelessly dedicated their time and resources to our children and adults throughout the years."

The annual Drug Free Block Party will be held on Saturday, July 11, from noon to 5 p.m. on Public Square. Duggins said the event will be the organization's "best ever" and she is asking the community to continue its support.

Frank Brewer and Angel Jirau are helping Duggins with the event. Jirau is handling the diversity component of the event.

"I'm thrilled that they have reached out to me because more people need to understand that drug and alcohol abuse affects everybody," Jirau said. Duggins said she decided to move the event to Public Square from Kirby Park because she wanted to reach more people and become more visible to people in the downtown area.

"We want people of all ages to attend," Brewer said. "There are a lot of young people in the downtown, as well as many elderly. We want them all to interact and learn about each other."

Set to speak are Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton; Ida Castro, vice president for social justice and diversity at the University of Scranton; Harry Hamilton, former NFL player and son of the late Stan Hamilton; and others.

What: 5th Annual Drug Free Block Party

Where: Public Square, Wilkes-Barre

When: Saturday, July 11, noon to 5 p.m.

Purpose: United We Stand Divided We Fall organization that helps guide our youth and community to a positive path in life.

Activities: Live DJ, dancing, food, contests, fun, and lots more. Raffle tickets for prizes and 50/50 drawing, "Dunk Tank" featuring many personalities you would like to see get wet.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0215-36174933