The G.I.V.E. for Kids Art Gallery
Parents' Source is once again honored to present the "Top Picks" in the 2001-2002 "Create-An-Ad" Contest. Loyal readers of this publication look forward to this event, and the opportunity to flip through the pages that follow, and see the good things that result when area businesses G.I.V.E. (that's "Get Involved - Volunteer in Education") to the community. Students and teachers in Berks and Lancaster Counties enjoy participating in the contest, because it gives them an "inside look" at some of the businesses in their community. Once they've learned about their business sponsor, students then have the opportunity to carry out a "real life" assignment - one in which their classroom is transformed into a high-powered ad agency, whose job is to design an ad that best promotes the services of their client.
The other "winners" in this contest are the businesses themselves, whose support of these talented students helps make the event a success. Once such business is the Council on Chemical Abuse in Reading. For the past four years, COCA has not only been a supporter of the Create-An-Ad Contest, but has used the event as a way of sending their message out to the members of the community who stand to benefit most - the children. Drug and Alcohol Program Specialist Rebecca D. Reinhart says, "We support this project because we realize how important it is for young people to have their opinions about drugs and alcohol expressed and recognized."
The Council on Chemical Abuse provides many services to the community,
including the 
presentation of drug and alcohol prevention
programs in area elementary, middle, and high schools. COCA Prevention Specialist
Drew Eisenhauer says judging from the artwork they've received, it's obvious
that young people are very informed and committed to maintaining drug-free
lifestyles.
Parents' Source extends its thanks to COCA, and all of the businesses that participated in the "Create-An-Ad Contest". The theme of this year's contest was "G.I.V.E. for Kids by Building Assets", based on a list of 40 Developmental Assets identified as important qualities in the development of a healthy, caring young person. Two of those assets are Community Values Youth and Positive Adult Role Models, both of which are exemplified by the businesses that supported this worthwhile project.
Thanks also to the students and teachers who lent their time and talent to the contest. Parents' Source has received glowing testimonials from teachers who wrote or called to say how much they enjoyed the opportunity. All students will receive prizes from their business sponsors. Click here for the complete list of participating businesses, and the generous consolation prizes they awarded. Students who created ads also received a special button, which were designed to let everyone know that they are winners, because they took part in this year's contest.
Those designs selected as this year's "Top Picks" appear on the pages that follow. Enjoy!