By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

Operation Snowball, a program run by the Institute for Human Resources, was recognized as “Chapter of the Year” Thursday evening by the Operation Snowball of Illinois.

Prevention Specialist Tiffany Yoder said this award shows what kind of work and effort these events held throughout the year take.

“In these last few years, we’ve built it up to nearly 200 kids in attendance and we are up to around 70 active teen staff,” Yoder said.

Substance Abuse Director Teresa Diemer, has seen the program grow over several years and said now that she works with treatment clients, it’s nice to see the prevention side of alcohol and drug abuse taking place in the county.

“The whole day is set around having fun and obviously we learn things, too,” Diemer said. “The clients I have complain a lot about how they grew up in Pontiac and there’s nothing to do. This is a great day to prove there’s so much fun you can have without alcohol or drugs.”

Operation Snowball events are made possible with 708 Mental Health Board funding and monetary gifts from area businesses and private donations.