Lake County >> For the sixth year in a row, local child care programs and elementary school classrooms are participating in the Paper Cape Project (formerly paper doll) 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 capes will be distributed throughout the county for teachers to use in guided art projects with children. Children are being encouraged to decorate their paper capes to go with this year’s theme “Always a Hero” for the 2016 advocacy walk.
During the months of March and April, decorated paper capes 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 distributed.
In the past years, more than 100 businesses and agencies have participated by displaying the paper dolls. There are several ways to participate:
For educators, children’s groups and faith communities: request supplies for your program or classroom to give children the opportunity to participate.
For business owners and agency representatives: sign up to have your business participate by displaying the works of art — Always a Hero paper capes — in your office or storefront, along with an advocacy statement. To participate, email apatti@lakecoe.org or call 707-262-4162.
On April 9, a Children’s Festival and Advocacy Walk will take place at Lower Lake Park. The festival opens at 10 a.m. with booths, children’s activities, crafts, contests, entertainment and resources all free to everyone.
The advocacy walk begins at 10:30 a.m. from Lower Lake Park and will continue through Main Street, Lower Lake. 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, 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.
