ALTOONA – Several Blair County businesses have formed an extraordinary organization that will provide significant new resources in the fight to take back our neighborhoods from drugs and violent crime.
The businesses have created Operation Our Town, a business and community partnership that will supply significant resources for driving out the illegal drug trade and the violence it produces.
“We’ve all seen what’s happening in our neighborhoods because of the rise in illegal drug use,” said an Operation Our Town supporter. “As everyone knows, drugs breed crime — often violent crime — and the cycle of drugs and crime can destroy a community.”
“As concerned citizens we’ve organized to fight back,” said another Operation Our Town supporter. “Our coalition includes local businesses, community groups and individuals — all committing resources to maintain the reputation of our towns as great places to raise a family and live without fear.”
Operation Our Town is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation which will accept donations from businesses, civic organizations and individuals and use the funding specifically to deal with the biggest issue threatening our neighborhoods today: drugs and related violent crime.
Operation Our Town has three-year commitments of at least $10,000 a year from more than 25 businesses. Operation Our Town will fund efforts in our community proven to reduce both the supply and demand for illegal drugs. Those efforts include:
-Targeted law enforcement and prosecution
-Proven treatment programs focused on reducing recidivism (repeat offenses)
-Proven education aimed at prevention of drug use
Some of the first businesses to commit people and money to the project include Sheetz Inc., Leonard S. Fiore Inc., Blair Companies, Altoona Regional Health System, Grappone Law Offices, M&T Bank, Wolf Furniture, The Hite Company, Reliance Bank, D.C. Goodman, NPC, New Pig, Ward Trucking, New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Lawruk Realty, New Enterprise Stone & Lime, Harry Sickler & Associates, Courtesy Motors, and Dean Patterson Chevrolet. More are pledging their commitment every day.
Operation Our Town is supported and advised by a Steering Committee consisting of local experts in law enforcement, prosecution, education, housing, rehabilitation and other fields.
Randy Feathers, regional director of the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Drug Task Force, adds that, “Operation Our Town brings funding and focus to our war on drugs. With this enhanced community support, we will be well-positioned to escalate our fight against drugs and violent crime.”
“Many people have spent much of the past year putting together Operation Our Town because they believe in its mission and in the people of this area,” said an Operation Our Town supporter. “We invite everyone — all local businesses, community groups and individuals — to join us in this important fight.”
“To put it mildly, we’ve had enough,” a supporter added. “This is where we grew up; it’s where we call home; it’s where our children are growing up. Together, we can make a difference.”