During this holiday season Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers is encouraging parents, families, and communities to prioritize safe and age-appropriate gifts to protect youth from the risks associated with early exposure to gambling. This year, the organization is participating in the 2024 Gift Responsibly Campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of underage lottery use, according to a news release. The campaign seeks to inform families about the potential harm of gifting lottery tickets or other gambling-related items to minors. With gambling becoming increasingly accessible, young people face a heightened risk of exposure, which can lead to long-term consequences, the release stated. Early involvement in gambling activities may significantly increase the likelihood of developing gambling-related problems later in life. “By raising awareness through the Gift Responsibly campaign, we hope to foster safer gift giving practices and promote a healthy, positive environment for youth,” Melanie Blasko, president and CEO of Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers, stated in the release. “We believe it’s crucial to educate families about the long-term impact of early gambling exposure on young people.” The campaign, running through the holiday season, will feature educational material, social media outreach and community resources to inform and engage the public. The messaging will focus on practical tips for parents and caregivers, including recommended age-appropriate gifts and the importance of having open discussions with youth about gambling. Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers invites all community members to join the Gift Responsibly campaign and help make this holiday season safer for children and families. Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers is a private, nonprofit agency providing continuous service to the community since 1971.