Gillette gives $500K to S. Boston in anti-drug efforts

Over the next three years, the Gillette Co. will be giving $500,000 in grant money to 16 community organizations in South Boston in an effort to prevent substance abuse in the area. The Gillette Healthy Opportunity for Prevention and Empowerment, or HOPE, has given the money to organizations such as Artists for Humanity, Condon Community Center, and Family Advocating Neighbors Strength. The organizations will use the initial $175,000 to educate young people about the dangers of drug abuse, support after-school prevention programs and other alternative activities for adolescents and fund treatment programs. Between 2001 and 2003, South Boston had the highest death rates from substance abuse of any neighborhood in the city The remaining Gillette HOPE grants of $325,000 will be awarded during the next two years.