The annual Color Run took place this year at the Lindenhurst Gazebo from 9am to 11am and was hosted by the Lindy Cares Coalition. This event was created to bring awareness to a variety of issues affecting the youth population of Lindenhurst. Among substance abuse problems, such as drugs and alcohol, youth vaping/juuling has become an absolute epidemic in our community, and in the nation as a whole.

The Juul and other similar devices have a sleek design that allow teens to discretely vape in public settings and quickly become addicted to nicotine. These products were created with smokers in mind, to help them quit cigarettes but have unfortunately created a new generation of nicotine addicts. The Color Run began with students being separated into specific groups, where they had to report to their stations. Each group was assigned to a certain substance abuse issue to discuss and find solutions for.

Student Sabia Akand, who is a member of Lindy Cares, who attended the event said “The Color Run was a way to engage the entire community, including all different age groups, to help inform people about the work of the Lindy Cares Coalition.” Overall, the Color Run was a fun eye-opening event to bring to light to serious issues within our community, and Long Island as a whole. Through hosting community events such as these, Lindy Cares hopes to educate, inform, and prevent future addictions from forming.