When it comes to educating children, conventional wisdom says grab their attention when they are young.

"We try to catch the kids early," said Sal Diecidue, chairman of the Upper Freehold/Allentown Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. "The middle school, elementary school is really where they're going to develop what they're going to do.

"The mission of the alliance is to educate the children on the downfalls of illegal drug and alcohol use," Diecidue said. "It's a responsible education we are providing them."

The alliance has sponsored or is sponsoring various functions, such as a mother-son bonding through bowling, father-daughter dance, car show, golf outing and winter holidays show.

The next scheduled event is an April 5 basketball game between the Harlem Wizards show team and the "Alliance All-Stars," composed of community members, local educators and students.

The alliance's proposed 2008 annual budget is about $85,245, said Laura Kirkpatrick, a spokesman for Monmouth County government.

Half of that money, or about $42,623, comes from a state grant passed along by the county Department of Human Services, Kirkpatrick said.

The remaining $42,633, according to Kirkpatrick, comes from a combination of 25 percent, or about $10,660, in fund-raising efforts and 75 percent in in-kind contributions — perhaps office space and utilities — from the towns the alliance serves.

County Human Services oversees 21 local alliances, which serve 30 municipalities, Kirkpatrick said.

Laura Cavone, 18, an Allentown High School senior, has been active with the high school's Life Savers, which promotes a drug-free lifestyle, since her freshman year.

In September, Cavone, who lives in Upper Freehold, became the liaison between Life Savers and the alliance. So she is the alliance's student representative, or a voting member.

"I could choose to drink," Cavone said. "But I choose not to because I don't want to be involved with drugs. I see what it has done to people. If kids choose not to drink, that's one step to saving (their) lives."

Cavone expects to begin work on a nursing degree at Brookdale Community College in September. Her goal to be a nurse ties in with her work against substance abuse.

"I want to help people," Cavone said. "I want to improve other people's lifestyles. By not doing drugs, you're so much happier. As a nurse, I can influence people."

Cavone said she plans to continue attending alliance meetings after her tenure as a voting member ends with the school year.

Beside Cavone, the alliance has 13 voting members, who come from the township and borough, Diecidue said. Overall, the alliance has about 20 active volunteers, Diecidue said.

"We're, always, open for additional volunteers," Diecidue said.

Also, the alliance is now seeking a paid coordinator because of a vacancy, Diecidue said.

Joe Sapia: (732) 308-7754;

(800) 822-9770, Ext. 1-7754; JSapia@app.com