REACH Across Ellis County Coalition announced a prescription drug take-back event for Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Coleman Junior High parking lot and asked community members to volunteer for its free prom pop-up in late February.

The take-back and prom pop-up were described at a School Health Advisory Council meeting hosted by Waxahachie ISD. “We do have the upcoming prescription drug take back day that's gonna be coming up on Saturday, October 25 from 10 to 2. We'll be at the, Coleman Junior High parking lot,” said Sherry Phillips, coordinator for REACH Across Ellis County Coalition.

Phillips said the prom pop-up, held the last Monday and Tuesday in February, provides donated formal wear, ties and accessories at no cost for students. “We do have a really large I think we had close to 300 that participated from, at the Ellis County location,” she said, and asked volunteers — ideally familiar faces from students’ schools — to help run the event and the brief educational activities run by community partners.

Tom Kawach, REACH director of school programs, urged schools to submit requests for Red Ribbon Week presentations and supplies. “If you are still wanting certain presentations that we offer, please let me know. We can schedule,” Kawach said, noting REACH is scheduling presentations and distributing bracelets and ribbons to schools that request them.

REACH also promotes free family-curriculum cycles and a youth recovery program that is accepting referrals from Waxahachie ISD. Kawach said all REACH programs are free to families.

Organizers said community partners at the prom pop-up lead short (about five-minute) activities on topics such as healthy relationships and alcohol awareness; clinics and resource tables are available alongside clothing distribution. Phillips asked prospective volunteers and community organizations interested in tabling or donating attire to contact REACH in advance so they can staff both days.

The announcements were made during the council’s regular meeting; organizers encouraged school staff and community partners to register early for presentations and events.

Funding sources and specific contact information were not specified in the meeting remarks.