Blue ribbon magnets for sale
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on March 18, 2004 1:59 PM
Many cars throughout Wayne County are sporting blue ribbon magnets. But the For Children Council of Wayne County would like to see more ribbons on more cars.
The magnets are dark blue with the phrase "Protect our children" on them in white lettering.
The council wants to sell 1,000 blue ribbon magnets by April 1, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month.
They cost $5 each and are available from any council members and at WAGES, Wayne County Partnership for Children, the Boys and Girls Club of Wayne County, Eastern Carolina Athletic Park, Cooperative Extension Service, Guardian ad Litem office, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Family Support Center, Goldsboro Exchange Club members and the Goldsboro Family YMCA.
Proceeds go to the For Children Council of Wayne County to support its ongoing prevention activities.
Those purchasing a blue ribbon magnet will also have the opportunity to register for a basketball signed by NBA star Michael Jordan.
Charisse Johnson, council member, said the purpose of the blue ribbon magnets is to emphasize the importance of protecting Wayne County's children.
"In lieu of recent acts against children locally and in other states, the For Children Council of Wayne County wants all residents to join in a message that we will protect our children," she said.
She said the implied agreement for each blue ribbon holder is to do what is necessary to protect children.
Mrs. Johnson said there are many ways in which everyone as concerned friends, neighbors, relatives, volunteers, doctors, lawmakers and civil servants can help protect children.
One of these is knowing the warning signs of abuse and neglect and reporting it to the Wayne County Department of Social Services.
Another way of helping is by being a nurturing and involved parent.
Mrs. Johnson suggested taking part in prevention efforts and helping design programs around healthy families, positive parenting and increased parental involvement.