Please Assist InnerAct Alliance’s Prevention Efforts by Becoming a Volunteer

 

InnerAct Alliance organizes one of the largest Red Ribbon Campaigns in the state of Florida each fall highlighted by the Annual Red Ribbon Run, the popular family participation event presented by title sponsor, Publix Super Markets.

The success of the Red Ribbon Run depends on the efforts of Run participants, volunteers, business partners and enthusiastic spectators. High School Students can earn community service hours working for the entire day on Saturday, October 31  sharing unique musical talents, dance, and performance in the World Tour Celebration of Cultural Traditions. 

Share Your Talents! - Local individuals and groups are invited to showcase their unique talents in music, dance, and performance as part of the World Tour Celebration of Cultural Traditions during the 2026 festivities.

Volunteer Opportunities Year-Round! - Helping hands of volunteers of all ages are always encouraged  throughout the year to help them prepare for programs that impact the lives of youth, families, faith-based organizations, and those in need with  anti-drug and anti-bullying messages.

 

Tomorrow Is Your Chance to Discard Human & Pet Medications Safely in Polk County, Florida

 

The Power of Kindness

 

Showing kindness is shown to help us build social bonds, increase trust and acceptance in our relationships, and boost our overall happiness. Research findings on the benefits and strength of kindness have found that people who give to others in small and large ways tend to be happier.

Oxytocin is the stress-reducing chemical that is responsible for the positive effects of kindness. Gestures may include a smile, supportive hug, kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or even the smallest act of caring shown to a stranger. 😊

The truly amazing thing about kindness is that the more you give, the more you may receive in return. Kindness starts with YOU - it can also be contagious, encouraging others to join in with their own generous deeds! 🌻💛 

How to Practice Positivity and Keep Growing

 

It is said that to live a full life, we must continue to work on improving ourselves. It's easy to get stuck in our comfort zone, but to truly grow, we need to take steps towards improvement to help us reach our fullest potential. 👍

Personal growth is rooted in continuing to take steps to become a better person. It involves taking chances on doing things you love and have a passion for, rather than taking the easy way out. It's learning how to make the most of your life and living your life to the fullest to become the BEST version of yourself.

We can practice positivity by creating a personal growth plan - start with small steps like the suggestions in this festive pumpkin graphic 🧡 from our friends at @ Positively Present such as Seek out inner peace; Practice acts of patience; Master a new skill; and Open your mind to new ideas, plus more.

Don't be afraid to dream big...but take small steps along the way! 

Clean Out the Family Medicine Cabinet for DEA’s Prescription Take-Back Day This Saturday, Oct. 24

 

StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies are proud to join the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its national and community partners for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, October 24, from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

Medicine stored in home cabinets is highly susceptible to abuse. 💊 Discarding medication by flushing it or throwing it in the trash also creates potential health and safety hazards. This event helps educate about the potential for abuse and offers a convenient, safe, and responsible means of disposal.

Our community's Prescription Drug Take-Back Day may include the following (6) Polk County locations for citizens to turn in human and pet prescription and  over-the-counter medications in liquid and solid form, as well as vaping pens and e-cigarette devices with batteries removed. Medication should be placed in a clear, air-tight plastic bag.

Bartow Police Dept. - 450 N. Broadway Ave.

Haines City Police Dept. - 35400 Highway 27

Lakeland Police Dept. - 219 N. Massachusetts Ave.

Lake Alfred Police Dept. - 190 N. Seminole Ave.

Lake Wales Police Dept. - 133 E. Tillman Ave.

Winter Haven Police Dept. - 125 N. Lake Silver Dr. NW

Medication may also be taken to the county's permanent drop sites, funded by GiveWell Community Foundation, at the police department locations in: Auburndale (weekdays 8-5); Haines City (weekdays 8-5); Lake Alfred (24hrs/7days); Lake Hamilton (weekdays 8-5); Lakeland (24hrs/7days); and Winter Haven (weekdays 8-5). Note: Permanent drop boxes can only accept medication in solid form (no liquids or syringes).

Please contact StandUP Polk at (863) 802-0777 for more information.

Red Ribbon Challenge Week 4 – Invest In Yourself & In Your Future

 

Red Ribbon Challenge Week 4 is focused on the importance of Investing in Yourself & In Your Future. It's a great way to take time to learn about ourselves and other people, places, and cultures.

This can start with learning about your own family history. Sit down with your parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles and ask them about where you come from. You will hear some funny and interesting family stories. You can also look at pictures in photo albums, watch family movies together, talk about favorite music, movies, or tv shows.

This may inspire you to set a goal to start saving money to take a family trip - maybe to visit cousins or other family members. This can teach you about how to save money and help you get to know family members better to enrich their lives and your own future as you grow up.👪

If you decide to save your money in the bank, please visit our good friends at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union who generously support our community and help present the Kids Fun Run each year - come say hello to them at the Red Ribbon Run on Saturday, October 31 at Lake Mirror.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the 2026 Red Ribbon Weekly Challenges this month and...

Please Register to Participate in
the Red Ribbon Run on Saturday, October 31 

https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Lakeland/InnerActAllianceRedRibbonRun

34th Annual Red Ribbon Run Takes Place on Saturday, October 31, 2026

 

Coming up in just under two short weeks is the Annual Red Ribbon Run, the popular community event to prevent harm and promote health. InnerAct Alliance and title sponsor, Publix Super Markets, invite students and families to Run The World in the 2026 Red Ribbon Run on Saturday morning, October 31.

This year's Red Ribbon Run features healthy family fun with the Kids Fun Run, sponsored by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, around beautiful Lake Mirror in Lakeland, along with Family Fun Run for parents and adults to run or walk with their children. Registration is NOW OPEN for students in grades K-8 to register FREE for the Kids Fun Run and participate in timed grade level heats for a chance to win trophies awarded for first, second, and third place in each gender and grade. Registration is FREE for K-8 students through October 30, and $5 on the day of the event. Parent and Adult registration is $15 for the untimed Family Fun Run until October 30, and $20 on the day of the event.

Check-in for the Kids Fun Run begins at 6:30am at the Lake Mirror Auditorium. K-8 Grade Heats begin at 8:30 am with the Family Run Run at 10:45 am (please note times are approximate)

Register today on the InnerAct Alliance website's special Red Ribbon Run tab at: 

https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Lakeland/InnerActAllianceRedRibbonRun

Students must register by October 16 to be guaranteed a free Run T-Shirt. After race heats, participant may visit the World Tour vendor area to enjoy healthy snacks, fun fitness activities, and entertainment celebrating cultures around the world.

"The Annual Red Ribbon Run encourages healthy life choices and educates about the dangers of substance abuse, bullying, and other risky behaviors," said InnerAct Alliance's Executive Director, Angie Ellison. "Join us on Saturday, October 31 by sponsoring, running, or volunteering at the Red Ribbon Run and visit our Facebook page for more information on these fun family activities!"

InnerAct Alliance Website

https://www.inneractalliance.org/

InnerAct Alliance Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser

🎀