LAKE COUNTY >> For the fifth year in a row, local child care programs and elementary school classrooms are participating in the Paper Doll Project in honor of April as the nationally recognized Child Abuse Prevention Month, Autism Awareness Month, and Month of the Young Child. Nearly 2,000 paper dolls will be distributed throughout the county for teachers to use in guided art projects with children. Children are being encouraged to decorate their paper dolls like heroes to go along with the ‘Be A Hero Protect’ theme of the 2015 Advocacy Walk.
During the months of March and April, beautifully decorated paper dolls from Lake County children will be displayed in participating businesses. A flyer listing the advocacy activities for the month of April and an advocacy statement about the importance of child abuse prevention will also be displayed. In the past years, over 100 businesses and agencies have participated by displaying the dolls. There are several ways to participate:
For Educators/Children’s Groups/Faith Communities — Request supplies for your program or classroom, and give your children the opportunity to participate.
For Business Owners/Agency Representatives — Sign up to have your business participate by displaying the beautiful works of art — paper dolls linking hands — in your office or storefront, along with the poster and advocacy statement. To participate, email lallen@lakecoe.org or call 707-262-4162.
On April 11, a Children’s Festival and Advocacy Walk will take place at Library Park, Lakeport. The Festival opens at 10:00 a.m. with booths, children’s activities, crafts, contests, entertainment and resources all free to everyone. The Advocacy walk begins at 10:30 from Library Park, Participants are encouraged to dress like a superhero and show support for Lake County Children. To reserve a booth for your organization call 994-5486. To register for the Advocacy Walk go to www.lakecountychildrenscouncil.com.
For more information on either of these events, please contact The Lake County Child Care Planning Council, 707-262-4162, www.lakecountychildcareplanning.com, or The Lake County Children’s Council at 707-262-4146.
