The money from Wal-Mart will be added to a community-wide fundraising effort kicked off last month.
(SALEM) - Marion County’s groundbreaking effort to combat methamphetamine got a boost Thursday from a national retailer.
Retail giant Wal-Mart delivered a $25,000 check to help launch the county’s law enforcement strike force.
“This is a huge win for the county,” stated Senator Jackie Winters (R-Salem). “The local response has been great and now Wal-Mart takes it to a whole new level.”
The strike force will be made up of law enforcement agencies including the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the State Police and the cities of Salem, Keizer and Woodburn. Its mission will be to target those individuals that make and sell meth. A recent poll in Marion County revealed that one in three residents had been touched by the epidemic.
“Law enforcement agencies have done a good job in reducing the small home labs and now it is time to go after the mid and upper level manufactures and dealers,” stated Winters. “We must stop the big guys.”
In January Senator Winters, along with Senate President Peter Courtney (D-Salem), created a taskforce to look at Marion County’s meth problem and solve it. The group is made up of leaders from government, business, community and faith based groups.
Over $150,000 has come in from generous donations from the Salem community. In November the Legislative Emergency Board will also be asked to support the strike force.
Wal-Mart Donates $25,000 to Help Launch Marion County’s Meth Strike ForceSalem-News.com