Traditionally, LACASA’s Child Abuse Prevention Council has planted bright blue and silver pinwheel gardens throughout Livingston County to recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.
This will not happen in 2024.
“The CAP Council has been concerned about the financial cost and environmental impact of purchasing disposable plastic pinwheels with chemical dyes for years,” said Holly Naylor, LACASA’s director of family prevention and education, “To be better stewards of our resources and environment, we have decided to move away from single-use pinwheels.”
Instead, the CAP Council will again host its annual Plant a Pinwheel celebration event at noon Wednesday, April 3, at the Howell Carnegie District Library, 314 W. Grand River Ave. This event will feature guest speakers, a performance by students from Voyager Elementary School, and recognition of the CAP Council’s 2024 Champions for Children.
But in lieu of the disposable pinwheels, the CAP Council will be holding a pinwheel coloring page contest and a “Guess the Location” contest with a pop-up pinwheel display at locations around the county.
CAP Council brings information about child abuse and neglect prevention to any groups or businesses in Livingston County throughout the year.
“Prevention is a year-round effort. Please reach out and let us know how we can partner with you and your organization or business to help educate or support your own prevention efforts, whether we meet virtually or in person,” said Naylor.
LACASA’s CAP Council encourages local residents to get involved in efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of Livingston County children. The following tips from Prevent Child Abuse America’s Pinwheels for Prevention national campaign can make huge differences in children’s lives:
• Be a friend to a parent you know. Ask how their children are doing. Draw from your own experiences to provide reassurance and support. If a parent seems to be struggling, show you understand and offer help.
• Be a friend to a child you know. Remember their names. Smile when you talk with them. Ask them about their day at school. Send them a card in the mail.
• Volunteer for programs in your community that support children and families.
For questions about Child Abuse Prevention Month or to inquire about providing child abuse prevention information to your business or group, contact the CAP Council at capcouncil@lacasacenter.org or call (517) 548-1350. Learn more about LACASA Center at lacasacenter.org.
