TIFTON — While every April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, this year’s activities are taking place a little differently.

“April is our opportunity to involve everyone in this effort and to bring awareness to the community that there are children who need our help,” said TCCCY director Lillie McEntyre. “We all need to do what we can to make a difference for the children of Tift County. In 2019 there were 513 reports of child abuse and neglect. This year the number is anticipated to be bigger than ever with schools closed, shelter at home orders and all the stress that families are enduring.”  

The TCCCY sponsors many of the activities, such as Wear Blue Day, which was held on Apr. 3.

The event aims to show a visible commitment to preventing child abuse and supporting strong families and healthy children throughout the state, according to McEntyre. Participants were asked to wear blue and share photos to social media.

While there was no Pinwheel Ceremony this year, volunteers were able to place 513 pinwheels, representing each of the 513 children who were reported victims of child abuse in 2019, in the lawn in front of the Tift County Recreation Department Special Programs Building, located on 2nd Street.

The ceremony is meant as another way to draw attention to the reality of child abuse in Tift County by providing a visual representation of local children who have been victimized in the past year.

Another effort to raise awareness is the annual Blue Ribbon Campaign.

The Blue Ribbon Campaign was started in 1989 by a grandmother from Virginia as a tribute to her grandson, a three-year-old who died at the hands of his mother’s abusive boyfriend.

The blue ribbons can be purchased and displayed on doors and entrances to show support for the fight against child abuse.

McEntyre said that because of the COVID-19 outbreak, the ribbons, which are $20, are being handled differently this year.

“We have arranged to have as little contact as possible with the handling of the ribbons themselves,” she said. “The ribbons are pull bows that you will be able to easily pull a string and assemble your own bow. They come from the factory in plastic sealed bags to eliminate contact. We can mail your bows to you or we can arrange for safe delivery to your business or safe pickup once the shelter in place order is lifted. Payments can be handled safely as well.

“We also realize that many businesses are struggling and may not be able to afford a blue ribbon right now. We will gladly work with you to provide the ribbon and wait on payment.”

To purchase a ribbon, contact 229-382-5172 or tc3y@friendlycity.net.

Anyone who suspects a child is being abused or neglected should call the Department of Family and Children Services at 229-386-3388.