Operation GRACE continues to thrive

Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste Management District Director Dan Palmer spoke at the Community in Action (CIA) faith-based conference in Newark last Saturday for the second straight year.

The annual event is put on by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s office and the Licking County Prosecutor’s Office, in which county and state officials, pastors, educators and local organization directors come together to form the CIA group. The event was conducted at Family of Faith Community Church, and aimed to reach those who have been affected, or are being affected by drug addiction in one way or another. The event covers a variety of subjects and speakers.

Palmer was one of several people who spoke, and talked about the Operation GRACE (Giving Relief to Area Children for Enrichment) program that he started in Scioto County, which helps children affected by drug-addicted parents receive everyday necessities, including soap, shampoo, clothing, towels, deodorant, blankets, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair brushes and more.

Last year, Palmer attended the conference, which he said opened his eyes to a lot of things and helped get Operation GRACE started after talking with teachers, school officials and the Scioto County commissioners as well.

“We now have schools that are allowing these kids to get showers at school and be able to wash their clothes there, because they aren’t able to get those things at home. A lot of times, the water and other utilities are shut off in the homes,” Palmer said. “Melissa Butterworth, from the Holiday Inn Express, also heard me talk about this, and has been very generous with donations. Her and the hotel group have donated boxes of soap, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion that have helped us tremendously. She’s also donated quite a huge amount of towels and washcloths for these kids.”

Palmer added that Coca-Cola is also planning on donating coats to the program for the children in the winter.