It’s time to talk about child abuse

Area youngsters did their part to honor April as Child Abuse Prevention Month when they released blue balloons behind the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse office in downtown Martin last week.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Exchange Club – Carl Perkins Centers will focus on “It’s Time to Talk About Child Abuse.”
Using this theme, the centers will help families learn to talk about abuse in their own homes while also focusing their public efforts on child abuse reporting laws.
To promote the child abuse prevention campaign, the Centers will be selling T-shirts with the “It’s Time” design on the front and back. The white, short-sleeve tees are $15 each, more for extra-large sizes, and can be purchased at any Carl Perkins Center.
 “We promote child abuse prevention with a theme each April,” said DeLaine Bottoms, Carl Perkins Center Associate Director. “This year the theme centers around talking with your children about child abuse. April is the perfect time to start a dialogue with them. Talk about personal safety and issues pertinent to your family. You’ll improve your children’s chances of protecting themselves in the future.”
The centers will also conduct balloon launches at head starts, distribute child abuse prevention pencils to third-graders prior to TCAP testing, give child abuse prevention flyers to Mothers Day Outs and day cares, have displays at libraries, bookstores and schools, recognize the Child Protective Investigative Teams and put up blue ribbons on Main Streets.
 Everyone dreams of making a difference.  It is especially gratifying when it is in the life of a child.  You will have that “time” when the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse holds their largest fundraiser of the year.  Our “Taste of Weakley and Obion Counties” Gala and Auction brings together the restaurant and others in the food catering community to share their menu items during a night of music, dancing and elegant dining.  The event, sponsored by Volunteer Distributing Co. Inc., is to be held on Saturday, April 21th at their business in Dresden beginning at 5:30p.  The attire/theme for the evening is “Denim to Diamonds” Viva Las Kids.
We are encouraging everyone to come and enjoy Kenny Presley as he entertains the crowd while the silent auction will be a treat for the shopping enthusiasts as they can scan the large array of merchandise donated by local merchants/businesses.  The larger donations will be auctioned off in a lively manner during the night by Marvin Alexander.
For a fun-filled evening that will “Make a Difference,” the cost is only $25 per person.  Local businesses/groups/organizations can become more involved for a minimum donation.  
Tickets are available from any of the advisory board members or at the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse located at 111 Oxford Street in downtown Martin.  
To participate in CAP month in Weakley County, to purchase a T-shirt or for more information, contact the local office at 587-0768.
Editor’s note: Lori Hendon is the director of the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse serving Weakley and Obion counties.

WCP 4.03.12