BY RENEE KENADY
America’s Children President

As we enjoy the holiday season most of us are blessed with material security and the love of our family and friends.

However, in truth, many of our children are not blessed with even the basic securities. They are suffering from poverty, neglect, abuse and abandonment.

Our children are the future of this country and they are a very important part of our lives and our society. They represent the innocence in life that is so beautiful yet is so defenseless against the environments they live in.

They are the bright lights in our lives that can be molded and taught to be a positive part of society, or they can become part of destructive cycles, unfortunately increasing in our country.

This is why myself, and others have organized America’s Children as a way to promote the awareness and prevention of child abuse and neglect, and help families in crisis.

Statistics show a dramatic increase in the incidences of child abuse and neglect in America. It is beyond the ability of our state and federal agencies to assist all of the families in need. That is why it is up to us as parents and community members to protect and nurture our children, so they can lead happy and productive lives.

How can we do this? We can begin by personally reaching out to families we see in crisis and at risk of child abuse.

Extended families and friends can be a great support network. America’s Children recently created the East Valley Community Care Team (EVCCT) for the upper Skagit River Valley, as a means to organize community efforts to help at risk families.

Community members may make referrals to this team if they are concerned about a family in crisis. The team will then reach out to those families referred and try to connect them with available resources.

This community outreach is an effort that has been missing in our struggle to help these families and children.

Strengthening these families will hopefully reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect. The phone number for this team is 360-853-8326. Our goal is for the EVCCT to be used as a model team for other communities. Tax-deductible donations can be made to America’s Children to support all of these efforts. Donations can be sent to America’s Children, 5319 Cedar Ridge Place, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284.

The holiday spirit of the heart can remain a part of our lives the year round. A helping hand and kind gesture can make more difference than you know.