Washington State Patrol Trooper Scott Betts visited the Anacortes Boys and Girls Club Jan. 9 to deliver a $500 check from the Washington State Patrol Troopers Association to support drug awareness and prevention programs.

The Boys and Girls Club provides a wide range of prevention programs and works with local law enforcement to provide safety and prevention information for club members.

Each year the club invites the teen anti-tobacco group Skagit County HEAT (Helping Educate Against Tobacco) to speak with the children about the dangers of smoking and tobacco use.

In November 2007 the club held its first Meth Awareness Day to educate about the dangers of the destructive drug.

The Anacortes Club also offers programs such as SMART Girls, Keystone Club, Junior Staff and the Power Hour homework program to encourage members to make positive decisions, resist peer pressure, act as role models and succeed in school.

Boys and Girls Club staff look forward to continuing to provide a safe and positive place for the teens and children of Anacortes.