Child Abuse Prevention Month kicking off today

LANCASTER — Antelope Valley residents are encouraged to wear blue throughout April in recognition of the beginning of Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Children’s Center of the Antelope Valley is partnering with local businesses and individuals to raise awareness about and help prevent child abuse.

For the second year, local restaurants and retailers are offering special menu items and promotions during April in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month. They include Coach’s Sports Bar & Grille (Rosamond), Complexity Wine Lounge, Filthy’s Food Truck, Jon Smith’s Subs, Leo + Mamas, Lucky Luke Brewpub, Lucky Luke Brewing Co., Mama’s Kitchen, Olga’s Naturally California Kitchen, The Original Karen’s Kitchen, Scramblez Café and The Third Place Barroom and Kitchen.

The center also has launched its Pinwheels of Hope fundraising campaign with a corporate sponsorship from LA Care Health Plan.

This year’s goal is to secure sponsors for 1,000 pinwheels — one to represent each child who will receive therapy at the center in 2022.

Pinwheel sponsorships are available for a donation of $100 each. Corporate level sponsorships for 10 or more pinwheels are also available.

At the end of April, campaign donors and sponsors will be invited to attend a pinwheel garden ceremony, featuring all 1,000 sponsored pinwheels.

Donors’ names and corporate sponsor logos can be found at ccav. org/pinwheel-sponsors, which will be updated as contributions are made throughout the month.

For details about becoming a pinwheel sponsor, visit ccav.org/ pinwheels, email give@childrenscenterav.org or call 661-9491206, Ext. 290.

“The Pinwheels of Hope campaign is an opportunity for individuals and businesses to be part of the solution,” CCAV Board President Samantha Schmitz said. “Whether you are a local resident sponsoring one pinwheel or a major donor, together we can make a difference in the lives of children and those who care for them.”

Children can participate in Child Abuse Prevention Month and be entered in a prize drawing by creating a pinwheel of their own.

Pinwheel-making kits are available free from the center.