(Posted March 28, 2018)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
Madison County Children Services is once again looking to the community for help in putting on a free, family-friendly carnival in recognition of Child Abuse and Child Neglect Prevention Awareness Month.
This year’s carnival is set for 5 to 8 p.m. April 20 in the Della Selsor Building at the Madison County Fairgrounds, 205 Elm St., London. The event will feature games, prizes, door prizes, face painting, balloon animals, and vendors, along with food and treats, including popcorn, snow cones, hot dogs, chips and drinks.
“We’re sponsoring this event to inform the community about services available to help prevent child abuse and strengthen families,” said Julie Harris, Children Services supervisor.
The festival is funded entirely through donations and in-kind services. Monetary donations are used to purchase supplies. Product donations are used as door prizes for families and children who attend the event.
Additionally, Los Mariachis, 289 Lafay-ette St., London, is donating a percentage of its dine-in food sales April 2-4 to support the carnival. Diners must present a promotional flyer at the time of their meal purchases on those dates.
To make donations to the carnival, contact Harris, at (740) 852-4770. For copies of the Los Mariachis flyer, contact Robin Bruno, Children Services administrator, at robin.bruno@jfs.ohio.gov or (740) 852-6031.
The theme for Child Abuse and Child Neglect Prevention Awareness Month is #30MinuteHeroes. In Ohio, a case of child abuse or child neglect is reported every 30 minutes. The theme’s message is that anyone can play a role in preventing abuse and neglect.
On April 5 at the Ohio Statehouse, the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund will recognize several Everyday Heroes, people from around the state whose acts of support and encouragement make a difference in children’s lives. Among them is Madison County nominee Brandi Bare of Buckeye Ranch, named the Central Ohio Region winner.
Also on April 5, Madison County Children Services will recognize several other Everyday Heroes who have made a positive impact locally, including: BecomeOne, David Dhume, Kristen Forrest, Kroger of London, London Church of the Nazarene, Ken Lowry, the Madison County Prosecutor’s Office, Sue McClelland, Pepsi Cola Bottlers, Revive Baptist Church, S&S Fabrication & Welding/Shellabarger Farms, Sullivan Builders/Sullivan Farms, the Union Township trustees, and Walmart of London.
Founded in 1984, the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund is the sole public funding source dedicated to child abuse and child neglect prevention.
