The Brown County Child Welfare Board announces that April is Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness month. In connection with this proclamation, the board is planning a Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Fair to be held at Heartland Mall on Saturday, April 30 from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
A number of child advocacy agencies will have booths with information and children activities. “Raindrops for the Rainbow Room” are currently being sold at most Heartland Mall businesses and throughout the city. The “raindrops” are available for a donation of $1.00 each or whatever donation the individual desires. The funds raised go directly to the Child Welfare Board Rainbow Room which supplies clothing and necessary supplies to children who have been removed from dangerous situations.
Other activities ongoing include the Chili’s Give Back Day, Monday, April 25, any time the business is open, either take out or eating in. Persons are requested to specifically state that they are there in support of Child Welfare Board. Additionally, Chick Fil-A in the mall will be donating a percentage of all sales during the time of the fair, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. An ongoing fund-raiser for the many needs of foster children are the drawings for a 65 qt. Yeti Cooler and a 30 qt. Yeti Hopper. Tickets are $5.00 for one or $20.00 for 5 with the drawings to be held on June 17th. Tickets are available from any Child Welfare Board member, at Weakley Watson Sporting Goods ,515 Early Blvd.; Box N Mail, 901 N. Fisk; and Precious Cargo, 1900 Coggin Avenue.
Child abuse and neglect are very prevalent and real occurrences with 120 children in Brown County currently in foster care. There is a serious need for qualified foster homes in the area at this time as this number has been growing each month. Everyone is requested to wear blue each Friday in April to increase awareness of child abuse and neglect.
The law requires any person who is aware of child abuse or neglect to contact local law enforcement agencies or call the following number: 1-800-252-5400. Failure to do so is punishable by imprisonment of up to 180 and/or a fine of up to $1000.