Blue Ribbons for Kids campaign set to kick off with Proclamation Day

National “Wear Blue” Day is set for April 5. The color blue represents the bruises of child abuse and neglect. Community members are invited to wear blue all day to show their support for the prevention awareness campaign.

The Union County community is invited to be part of an effort to promote awareness about child abuse prevention.

WIBH Radio in Anna once again is leading a Blue Ribbons for Kids campaign in conjunction with the observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.

A variety of special events are planned during April in the county.

Proclamation Day is set for April 1. A ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. at the Union County Courthouse in Jonesboro. Local child service agencies, law enforcement and safety personnel, and city and county officials will join in recognizing April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Davis Pastry in Anna will have Blue Cookie Days on April 4-5.

National “Wear Blue” Day is set for April 5. The color blue represents the bruises of child abuse and neglect. Community members are invited to wear blue all day to show their support for the prevention awareness campaign.

A PJs and movie night is planned from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 5 at Kiki’s Coffeehouse in downtown Anna. Community members can wear their PJs and bring blankets and pillows to the coffeehouse for a movie night which will feature treats from the Anna Baking Company.

A Blue March on Main Street is planned at noon on April 9. Community members are invited to wear blue, bring their family friendly signs and join others at Mt. Moriah Lutheran Church for a march up and down Main Street in Anna.

Open house events also are scheduled during the month:

April 5 at Two Rivers Child Advocacy Center in Anna, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

April 5 at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services office in Anna, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

April 11, Union County Counseling Center in Anna, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

More information can be found by visiting the WIBH Blue Ribbons for Kids campaign on Facebook, wibhradio.com or by calling 833-9424.

The WIBH Blue Ribbons for Kids campaign is sponsored by local businesses and organizations, including:

Immanuel Praise and Worship Center, Cobden; A-J National Bank; Union County Hospital in Anna; Swafford Pediatrics.

Auto Tire & Parts NAPA, Anna State Bank, State Farm agent Brad Donna, RE/MAX Southern Real Estate, Wright Bros. Body Shop and Rod’s Towing.

Anna Tire & Auto Center/Cobden Auto Repair, Goosehead Insurance, Pizza Hut, Duck Band Brand Custom Jewelry, Riley’s, Southpass Beads and Fibers, Bubble Kicks and Cook’s Portable Warehouses.

Stand Up for Children

The Union County state’s attorney’s office in Jonesboro is encouraging everyone in the community to join in supporting the Blue Ribbons for Kids campaign.

The state’s attorney’s office this week issued the following statement in support of the campaign:

Beginning next week, Union County will join communities across Southern Illinois in observing Child Abuse Prevention Month.  

We will kick off a number of local events on Monday, April 1, with a 9 a.m. proclamation signing in front of the Union County Courthouse.

Child abuse prevention and awareness is a responsibility for all of us.  

As government officials, we join educators, business leaders, human service providers, houses of faith and other organizations in standing up for the right of children to have great childhoods free from abuse and neglect.

For prosecutors and members of law enforcement, the long term effects of child abuse and neglect are something we see firsthand on a daily basis.  

Far too often, the pain of a difficult childhood starts a young person down a path that leads not only to continuing the cycle of abuse but a costly lifetime of engagement with the justice system and corrections.

What if instead of arresting and prosecuting adults we had the chance to heal the hearts and stabilize the homes of young people before they ever got to that point?  

Our office has worked diligently to deal with these situations on the front end through our Victims’ Advocates and by collaborating with programs such as Juvenile Justice and Redeploy Illinois in order to turn as many individuals as possible from a darker path.

We all have a role to play in reducing child abuse and neglect.  

One of the ways to get started is by wearing a blue ribbon during the month of April.  

That may feel like a very small act but it’s a powerful signal to the young people around us that if they are facing abuse that we are adults they can turn to for help.  

We ask that you join us on April 1 at the proclamation signing, by dressing in blue on “Wear Blue Day” on Friday, April 5, and by participating in other Child Abuse Prevention activities throughout the month of April.  

Let’s stand up as a county for our children and their right to a great childhood.

 

 

The Gazette-Democrat

112 Lafayette St.
Anna, Illinois 62906
Office Number: (618) 833-2158
Email: news@annanews.com

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