Many of us know pinwheels as childhood toys which represent lightheartedness and whimsy. That is why, in 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America chose them as the new symbol for their Pinwheels for Prevention campaign. Pinwheels remind us of childhood and draw our eye to look at them. For this reason, each April thousands of people across the nation plant pinwheels to bring attention to the issue of abuse and neglect in our communities. The Pinwheels for Prevention pinwheels are in metallic blue and silver, which reflect light and immediately catch your eye.
Like the pinwheels, CASA volunteers bring attention to children in our community who need an advocate, mentor, and friend. CASA volunteers shine a light to ensure that the children are not hidden away but receive the necessary services that we want all children to receive. To mark April as Child Abuse Awareness Month, and to highlight abuse and neglect in our communities, CASA of the River Region held seven pinwheel plantings in its seven county service area. CASA brought together elected officials, public safety officers, social workers, court staff, the news media, and other people of goodwill in Jefferson, Bullitt, Henry, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, and Trimble Counties. Pinwheels were planted in front of each courthouse or fiscal court building to draw attention from people in each community as well as show that everyone should care about child abuse and neglect.
CASA President & CEO William Myers remarked "This is the first time we have done pinwheel plantings in seven counties. We look forward to this becoming an annual event to shine a light on abuse and neglect in our communities. We are grateful to our many partners who participated and helped make the plantings successful."
If you would like to shine a light on children in our community who are experiencing abuse and neglect, consider becoming a CASA volunteer. Just 1-4 hours each week can change a child's life forever. Visit www.casariverregion.org/volunteer for more information or an application.
